Work

Elcanidae (Insecta, Orthoptera) from the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin: Exquisite preservation and ecological implications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Elcanidae is one of the most abundant orthopteran families in the Crato Formation (Aptian), northeastern Brazil. However, its high-fidelity preservation and ecological importance within the context of the Crato fauna have not yet been studied. Here, we present a taphonomic and morphological analysis of elcanids from this Konservat-Lagerstätte and their relationship with the depositional lacustrine environment. We propose that the Crato elcanids inhabited areas near lake’s borders, including oviposition close to its margins, which facilitated their preservation. In addition, their abundance may be the result of sudden climatic events that led to aerial deposition into the aquatic environment. Finally, we propose that the metatibial leaf-like spurs may have played a role in camouflage, while the dark coloration on the tegmina could have served a defensive function. Our findings further contribute to the taxonomic and morphological diversity of this extinct taxon from the Crato Formation.

Source: Cretaceous Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106366

Authors: Gabriele Nunes, Ismar de Souza Carvalho

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Geociências, University of Coimbra

Language: English

Topic: Fossil Insects in Amber

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560

Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro