# A New Species Amecephala micra sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Liadopsyllidae) from Mid-Cretaceous Myanmar Amber

## TL;DR

A new insect species Amecephala micra was discovered in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, revealing unique features that expand our understanding of ancient insect diversity.

## Contribution

The discovery of Amecephala micra sp. nov. introduces previously unseen morphological traits in the Liadopsyllidae family, enhancing knowledge of their evolution.

## Key findings

- Amecephala micra exhibits unique antennae, hind leg, and hind wing features not seen in Liadopsyllidae.
- The insect's hind tibia spines suggest jumping capability, and wing structures may relate to vibrational communication.
- This species adds to the known disparity and diversity of Liadopsyllidae during the mid-Cretaceous period.

## Abstract

We have discovered and described a new species of extinct family Lia-dopsyllidae Amecephala micra sp. nov. It is a male insect that has been preserved as an inclusion in amber from Myanmar, originating from the mid-Cretaceous period. This insect has features that have never before been seen in Liadopsyllidae. These features include details of the antennae, hind legs, and hindwings. It has a row of short spines on the tip of the hind tibia, which suggests it could jump, and the strengthening of the posterior edge of the hind wing may be part of the equipment used for vibrational communication. These issues are discussed in relation to modern Psylloidea and Liadopsyllidae. This finding is an important addition to our knowledge of the differences and diversity of Liadopsyllidae and how they have evolved.

The new species Amecephala micra sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of a well-preserved male psyllid (Liadopsyllidae) in a piece of Cretaceous Myanmar amber. This second species of the genus Amecephala Drohojowska, Szwedo, Müller et Burckhardt, 2020 exhibits a combination of features that have not been previously recognised among Liadopsyllidae. These features include details of the antennae, hind legs and their armature, and hind wings. The presence of a short apical spine on the apex of the metatibia suggests that it was likely capable of jumping, and the strengthening of the claval margin of the hind wing may be interpreted as part of the apparatus for vibrational communication. These issues are discussed in relation to modern Psylloidea and Liadopsyllidae. The finding offers an important contribution to knowledge of the disparity and taxonomic diversity of Liadopsyllidae and their evolutionary traits.