Dinokanaga dowsonae
This record describes Dinokanaga dowsonae (species). Recorded family: Dinopanorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
D. dowsonae can be distinguished from other species of this genus by its forewings: from D. hillsi and D. wilsoni by its penniform (featherlike) shape, narrow at the base and widest toward the tip; from D. andersoni by greater width; from D. sternbergi and D. webbi by overall larger size. For identification details, and a key to the species of Dinokanaga , see Archibald, S.B. Feb. 2005 (in reference section below). Extinct species ; fossils found at four sites: McAbee (Thompson-Okanagan region, south-central B.C); Falkland (Columbia-Shuswap region of south-central B.C.); Horsefly River (Cariboo region, B.C); Republic (Ferry County, WA). All information on this page is based on Archibald, S.B. Feb. 2005 (see reference below).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Mecoptera (Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies)
- Family
- Dinopanorpidae
- Genus
- Dinokanaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Paleohabitat: please see the family page ( Dinopanorpidae )
Geographic Range
Paleodistribution: found at three sites in British Columbia, Canada (McAbee, and Falkland, both Early Eocene; and Horsefly River, Early or Early Middle Eocene); also in Early Eocene strata at Republic, WA, USA.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of Shelley Dowson, who collected and donated a paratype for this species.
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Dinokanaga dowsonae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Mecoptera (scorpionflies) includes ~600 described species. Males of many species have an upturned abdomen tip resembling a scorpion's stinger, but they are completely harmless. Mecoptera are among the oldest insect orders with fossils dating to the Permian period (~270 million years ago).
Ecological role of the group
Scorpionflies are primarily scavengers feeding on dead insects and decaying organic matter. Some species practice 'nuptial gifting' - males offer prey items or salivary secretions to females as mating gifts.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Scorpionflies have little direct economic impact but are valuable research subjects - they are considered ancestral to fleas and possibly to all holometabolous insects (those with complete metamorphosis).
Recorded sources for this group: Entomological research, paleontology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinokanaga dowsonae
What is Dinokanaga dowsonae?
Dinokanaga dowsonae is a species in the family Dinopanorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How big is Dinokanaga dowsonae?
FW: 31-36 mm (for complete specimen) HW: length not known; ~ 9mm wide (single specimen)
How do you identify Dinokanaga dowsonae?
D. dowsonae can be distinguished from other species of this genus by its forewings: from D. hillsi and D. wilsoni by its penniform (featherlike) shape, narrow at the base and widest toward the tip; from D. andersoni by greater width; from D. sternbergi and D. webbi by overall larger size. For identification details, and a key to the species of Dinokanaga , see Archibald, S.B. Feb. 2005 (in reference section below).
Where is Dinokanaga dowsonae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Paleohabitat: please see the family page ( Dinopanorpidae ) |
| Range | Paleodistribution: found at three sites in British Columbia, Canada (McAbee, and Falkland, both Early Eocene; and Horsefly River, Early or Early Middle Eocene); also in Early Eocene strata at Republic, WA, USA. |