1975] 
Kukalova-Peck — Megasecoptera 
17 
not very dense cross venation, coarse archedictyon, and incomplete 
intercalated sectors are often present. However, each single feature 
mentioned above occurs randomly in the Palaeodictyoptera. and should 
be carefully considered if found separately. 
Keeping in mind the similar features of primitive megasecopterous 
and palaeodictyopterous venation, I believe that the following species, 
based upon fragments and previously considered to belong to the 
Palaeodictyoptera, need to be reconsidered for possible inclusion 
within the Megasecoptera. 
Dictyoneurella perfecta Laurentiaux, 1949 (Westphalian, northern 
France) is probably megasecopterous because of the shape of the wing, 
which is broadest at the middle, and narowed both proximally and 
distally; and because of the general resemblance to Anchineuridae 
and Anconopteridae. This species is herein referred to a new family, 
Dictyoneurellidae, characterized by having a simple lobe on the 
posterior wing margin, and a primitive venation that lacks coalescence 
of veins, a relatively broad subcostal area, simple MA and CuA, 
richly branched MP and CuP, and irregular cross veins forming 
intercalary sectors. 
The family Frankenholziidae, based on Frankenholzia culmani 
Guthorl, 1962 (Lower Westphalian D, Germany) is in all prob- 
ability megasecopterous, since the wing is broadest at mid-wing and 
narrows distally and proximally. It differs from the Arcioneuridae 
by having broader wings, a broad lobe on the posterior margin and 
by less abundant cross veins [The vein marked by Guthorl, 1962, 
fig. 3, as Sc is in reality Rl, R is Rs, and A is CuP]. 
The family Mecynopteridae, based on Mecynoptera splendida 
Handlirsch, 1904 (Westphalian C, Belgium), is almost certainly 
megasecopterous, because Sc and Rl are crowded towards the costal 
margin and the wing is elongate. It is related to the Upper Carboni- 
ferous Anchineuridae and Dictyoneurellidae and to the Lower Per- 
mian Ancopteridae, all characterized by the presence of irregular 
cross veins and intercalated sectors. Mecynoptera tuberculata Bolton, 
1921, is a wing fragment too small to be referred to any particular 
genus; and Merlenbachia grimaldi Waterlot, 1934, classified by its 
author in the Mecynopteridae, is a wing fragment of dubious sys- 
tematic position, and may even be neopterous. 
Saarodictyum abnormis Guthorl, 1939 (Westphalian D, Germany) 
is very probably megasecopterous, because of the typical narrowing 
of the wing towards the base, almost into a petiole. Very likely it 
represents a separate family with primitive venation and a dense 
archedictyon, and rather broad subcostal area. Unfortunately, the 
