Description of a new fossil genus of conifer sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) revealed by UV light

Oligomonoctenus neytiriae gen. et sp. nov., the second fossil representative of the family Diprionidae from the uppermost Oligocene of Aix-en-Provence, France, is described on the basis of a well-preserved compression fossil. It is compared to the other extant and fossil diprionid genera. Its morphology and wing venation support placement in the subfamily Monocteninae. Paleomonoctenus patriciae, the other diprionid described from the same paleolake, also belongs to the Monocteninae. On the other hand, the Eocene-Lower Oligocene genus Eodiprion would be attributable to the Diprioninae but needs revision. This discovery suggests that the two diprionid subfamilies were already present and diversified during the Eocene-Oligocene.

Automated summary

A new genus and species of diprionid fossil is described, providing support for its placement in the subfamily Monocteninae based on morphology and wing venation. Another diprionid species from the same stratigraphic level also belongs to the Monocteninae. The classification of the Eocene-Lower Oligocene genus Eodiprion needs revision. These findings demonstrate the presence and diversification of the two diprionid subfamilies during the Eocene-Oligocene.