The youngest and first Gondwanan representative of the anisopteran family Aktassiidae from the Upper Cretaceous of Lebanon (Odonata, Petalurida)

Lebanoaktassia curiosa gen. et sp. nov., the youngest and first Gondwanan representative of the ani-sopteran family Aktassiidae is characterized, illustrated, described. Its taxonomic position is discussed. This fossil is the third case (over four) of strange dragonflies found altogether with the two endemic odonatan families Libanocorduliidae and Libanogomphidae, in the same assemblage from the Cen-omanian of Hjoula, Lebanon. This very particular odonatan fauna advocates taxa that have developed very original morphological characters, possibly in relation to an endemism on an island insular system during the Early Cretaceous.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Lebanoaktassia curiosa is a new genus and species of strange dragonfly, representing the first Gondwanan species of the family Aktassiidae. It was found in Hjoula, Lebanon, along with two endemic dragonfly families, suggesting a possible connection to an island insular system in the Early Cretaceous.