2026/04/01 by Juanita Rodríguez, Andrew D. Austin, Jessica Marsh · 1 voice
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy #Fossil Insects in Amber #Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
paper · doi:10.1111/aen.70061
Abstract Surveys of caves of the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, revealed a remarkable assemblage of exceptionally well‐preserved mummified arthropods, comprising Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera and Chilopoda, all of which exhibit high levels of troglomorphism, lacking eyes and showing a number of other adaptations. Of note, this arthropod assemblage also included a pompilid wasp which is eyeless and brachypterous and unlike any member of the family known globally. Here, we describe this amazing wasp as Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. , and discuss its remarkable morphology and possible affinities and biology.