Fossil marsh beetle larvae (Scirtidae: Coleoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Koonwarra Fossil Bed of Victoria, Australia

Abstract

The well-preserved fossils of larval Scirtidae (Coleoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous (middle to upper Aptian) Koonwarra Fossil Bed of South Gippsland in Victoria, Australia, were examined and compared with larvae of modern species. The discernible diagnostic features of the fossils conform to the extant genus Nektriscyphon. This is the earliest known evidence for scirtids in the fossil record, and suggests that little morphological change has taken place in these still water-dwelling (lentic) larvae over the last ca 120 million years. Key character states of the fossil Nektriscyphon are compared and the palaeoecological implications discussed.

Chris H. S. Watts [[email protected]] and Howard Hamon [[email protected]], Entomology Section, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.

Key Words:

• Scirtidae; Nektriscyphon
• Aptian
• larvae
• Koonwarra
• Australia

Acknowledgements

We thank Rolf Schmidt (NMV) for loaning the fossil specimens and allowing for extra study time during COVID restrictions. Ben Parslow (South Australian Museum) contributed photography. Rafal Ruta (University of Wroclaw) provided constructive criticism on earlier drafts of the manuscript. Peter Jell, an anonymous reviewer and the Editorial Board of Alcheringa provided constructive comments and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).