Extreme adaptations for aquatic ectoparasitism in a Jurassic fly larva
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, China
- Steinmann Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
- Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- University of Kansas, United States
- Natural History Museum, United Kingdom
Figures
Figure 1
Qiyia jurassica from the Middle Jurassic epoch of Daohugou, China.
(A) Holotype STMN65-1. (B) Paratype STMN65-2 under alcohol (horizontal mirror image). (C) Head capsule of paratype STMN65-2. (D) Head and thorax of holotype STMN65-1. (E) Enlargement and reconstruction of the mandible of holotype STMN65-1; note the longitudinal groove. (F) Fifth proleg of holotype STMN65-1; note stiff, upward directed bristles which are distinctly longer than setae on body. (G) Last abdominal segment of holotype STMN65-1. ap, anal papilla; p, proleg; pr, process of ridge; tp, terminal process. (Scale bars: 5 mm in A, B, 1 mm in D, F, G, and 0.5 mm in C, E).
Figure 2
Qiyia jurassica from the Middle Jurassic epoch of Daohugou, China.
(A) Paratype NIGP156982 under alcohol. (B) Head and thorax of paratype NIGP156982; note the underlying thoracic sucker. (C) Terminal processes of paratype NIGP156982. (D) Reconstruction of sucker. The sucker consists of a circular suction disc with central opening and thin peripheral area. Six robust, radially arranged ridges are covered by soft skin with small spines. (E) Head and thorax of paratype NIGP156984; note the deformed mandible. ap, anal papilla; p, proleg; pr, process of ridge; tp, terminal process; tr, tentorial rod. (Scale bars: 5 mm in A, 1 mm in B, C, E).
Figure 3 with 1 supplement
Reconstruction of Qiyia jurassica in lateral view.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02844.006
Figure 3—figure supplement 1
Ecological restoration of Qiyia jurassica from the Middle Jurassic epoch of Daohugou, China.
One larva is shown attached to the salamander. Larvae could be located on unexposed body zones, such as on the axil or behind the gill, where there are many blood vessels and the skin is thinner.
Tables
Table 1
Measurements of specimens of Qiyia jurassica
| Holotype STMN65-1 | Paratype STMN65-2 | Paratype NIGP156982 | Paratype NIGP156983 | Paratype NIGP156984 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | lateral | lateral | dorsal | dorsal | lateral |
| Body | 23.8 | 22.1 | 22.9 | ∼22 | 18.1 |
| Head | ∼1 | ∼1 | ∼1 | – | 0.8 |
| Thorax | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | ∼2.5 | 2.3 |
| Thoracic sucker diameter | 2.0 | 1.9 | – | – | 1.6 |
| Ridge | 0.6 | 0.6 | – | – | 0.5 |
| Abdominal segments 1–7 (average) | ∼2.3 | ∼2.2 | ∼2.3 | ∼2.2 | ∼1.9 |
| Prolegs 1–6 (average) | ∼1.5 | ∼1.5 | ∼1.5 | ∼1.5 | ∼1.3 |
| Seventh proleg | 4.0 | 3.8 | – | – | 3.0 |
| First anal papilla | 6.1 | 6.0 | – | ∼6 | 4.8 |
| Second anal papilla | 3.7 | 3.2 | – | – | – |
| Terminal process | 2.9 | 2.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 2.3 |
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All measurements are in mm and lengths except where otherwise indicated.
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∼: approximately; –: unknown.
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Extreme adaptations for aquatic ectoparasitism in a Jurassic fly larva
eLife 3:e02844.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02844
