Oligoneurus
Szépligeti, 1902
Oligoneurus is a of braconid in the Ichneutinae and tribe Muesebeckiini, first described by Szépligeti in 1902. The genus was known only from extant until the description of Oligoneurus eocenus from late Eocene Danish amber, which represents the first fossil record of both the genus and its tribe. The fossil specimen is a female preserved in Baltic amber deposits. The genus is considered highly derived within Ichneutinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oligoneurus: /ˌɒlɪɡəˈnʊərəs/
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Identification
Members of Oligoneurus can be distinguished from other ichneutine by highly derived morphological features; specific diagnostic characters require examination of detailed morphological descriptions in taxonomic literature. The fossil O. eocenus was identified based on preserved morphological features visible in amber.
Habitat
Late Eocene Danish amber deposits (fossil record); preferences of extant not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Fossil record: late Eocene Denmark. Extant distribution not specified in available sources.
Ecological Role
( Braconidae, Ichneutinae); specific relationships and ecological functions not documented.
More Details
Fossil significance
The discovery of Oligoneurus eocenus in late Eocene Danish amber is notable as it represents the first fossil record of the tribe Muesebeckiini. The paper notes that half of Danish hymenopteran are now unknown from Baltic amber, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Danish amber fauna.