Systematics and evolutionary trends among mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) of the Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil

• Applicant: Dr. Arianny Storari
• Subject Area: Palaeontology ; Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 559662877

The main goal of this project is to examine systematic, biogeographic, taphonomic, and ecological aspects of Mesozoic mayflies, focusing on the taxa of the Crato Formation Lagerstätte of Brazil. The specific goals of this project are: 1. To investigate the morphology of described and undescribed mayfly species of the Crato Formation using modern imaging techniques (SEM; RTI; and synchrotron laminography); 2. To infer the habitat and ecological role of the Crato mayflies based on analogous structures of extant taxa. 3. To evaluate morphological variations within Protoligoneuria larval assemblages of the Crato Formation; 4. To relate the putative morphological clusters of Protoligoneuria larval assemblages of Crato to its temporal layers; 5. To review the type group of Hexagenitidae, Hexagenites from the Solnhofen Beds, using modern imaging techniques (SEM; RTI; and UV light); 6. To set up a morphological character matrix to perform a cladistic analysis within Hexagenitidae. 7. To determine the phylogenetic position of Hexagenitidae within Ephemeroptera.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Arnold Staniczek