Family Dinopanorpidae

7 species in 2 genera, though only one genus (Dinokanaga ; see genus page) from North America.

The other genus, Dinopanorpa , is from the Pacific coast of Siberia.

Forewings 28-43 mm

Hindwings 24-37 mm

Can be distinguished from other families in Mecoptera by the long R1 vein, in both the fore- and hind wings, bending posteriad (toward the posterior, or rear), and extending almost to the wing apex.

Paleodistribution for Dinokanaga : please see genus page.

Paleohabitat for Dinopanorpidae : An upland region with a mean annual temperature of 9-10ºC (determined by leaf margin analysis of fossil plants), or 13-14ºC (determined by nearest living relatives of fossil flora). The Eocene Okanagan Highlands experienced mild winters with few to no freezing days, in which the hypothesized antecedent of Eastern North America's deciduous forest grew (with strong Southeast Asian elements).

Extinct family, known only from fossils (Late Paleocene, 59-55 million years ago, to Late Eocene, ~ 35 mya).

All information on this page is based on Archibald (2005); see reference below.

Archibald, S.B. Feb 2005. New Dinopanorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) from the Eocene Okanogan Highlands (British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA). Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol.42, 2:119-136.

Related article:

Archibald, S.B., and Greenwood, David R. 2005. The Okanagan Highlands: Eocene biota, environments, and geological setting, southern British Columbia, Canada and northeastern Washington, USA. Canad. J. of Earth Sciences, vol.42, 2:11-114.