A PERMIAN MEGASECOPTERON FROM TEXAS 1 
By F. M. Carpenter 
H arvard University 
A collection of six Permian insects recently received from Dr. 
Sergius H. Mamay, of the U. S. Geological Survey, includes an 
unusually interesting species belonging to the extinct order Megase- 
coptera. The other specimens are fragments of cockroach wings, 
which, in the light of our present knowledge, cannot be satisfactorily 
placed in families and do not warrant description. The megasecop- 
teron, however, is sufficiently well preserved to enable family and 
generic diagnoses. It clearly belongs to the family Bardohymenidae, 
of the suborder Eumegasecoptera. 
Family Bardohymenidae 
This family was based on Bardohymen magnipennifer Zal., from 
a Permian outcrop along the Barda River, near Perm, Russia 
(Zalessky, 1937). Two other genera, Sylvohymen Martynov 
(Permian of Oklahoma and of Chekarda, Russia) and Cctlohymen 
(Permian of Oklahoma) have also been placed here (Carpenter, 
1947). The family includes species which are related to Proto- 
hymenidae but which differ in lacking the coalescences of Rs and 
MA, and of MP and CuA. 
Actinohymen, new genus 
Related to Bardohymen, but having the cross-vein between Ri and 
R2 very strong, thickened at the costal end, and situated well basad 
of the apex of the wing. Pterostigmal area thickened ; Rs with three 
main branches. 
Type-species: Actinohymen russelli > n. sp. 
Actinohymen russelli, new species 
Text-figures 1 and 2; plate 1. 
Length of wing, as preserved, 28 mm; width, 8.5 mm ; estimated 
complete wing length, 50 mm. Wing markings: pterostigmal and 
ir This research has been aided by a grant from the National Science 
Foundation. 
Manuscript received by the editor January 4, 1962. 
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