3D reconstructions of carboniferous insect nymphs

["Richard W. Travsky" <rtravsky@uwyo.edu>]

Rather interesting pictures.

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0045779
Tomographic Reconstruction of Neopterous Carboniferous Insect Nymphs

Abstract
Two new polyneopteran insect nymphs from the Montceau-les-Mines Lagersttte 
of France are presented. Both are preserved in three dimensions, and are 
imaged with the aid of X-ray micro-tomography, allowing their morphology 
to be recovered in unprecedented detail. OneAnebos phrixos gen. et sp. 
nov.is of uncertain affinities, and preserves portions of the antennae and 
eyes, coupled with a heavily spined habitus. The other is a roachoid with 
long antennae and chewing mouthparts very similar in form to the most 
generalized mandibulate mouthparts of extant orthopteroid insects. 
Computer reconstructions reveal limbs in both specimens, allowing 
identification of the segments and annulation in the tarsus, while poorly 
developed thoracic wing pads suggest both are young instars. This work 
describes the morphologically best-known Palaeozoic insect nymphs, 
allowing a better understanding of the juveniles palaeobiology and 
palaeoecology. We also consider the validity of evidence from Palaeozoic 
juvenile insects in wing origin theories. The study of juvenile Palaeozoic 
insects is currently a neglected field, yet these fossils provide direct 
evidence on the evolution of insect development. It is hoped this study 
will stimulate a renewed interest in such work.