[496] A very interesting specimen of fossil Libellula, discovered by the Rev. Mr Brodie in the Upper Lias near Cheltenham, is figured in the Quarterly Geol. Journal, for 1848, vol. v. pl. v.
Fossil Corydalis. [Lign. 181], fig. 2.—The wing of a remarkable fossil Neuropterous insect was discovered by me in a nodule of ironstone, from Coalbrook Dale, and mistaken for a leaf. The specimen consists of one wing, which, as M. Audoin first ascertained, closely resembles that of the living Corydalis of Carolina; see [Lign. 181], fig. 2. The membranous structure and the distribution of the nervures are distinctly preserved; on the portion figured the surface of the wing lies in relief on the stone; and on the corresponding part of the nodule, a sharp imprint remains,[497] I have named this fossil in honour of the eminent French savant, M. Alex. Brongniart.
[497] This specimen is now in the collection of the British Museum.
Wings of Corydalis have also been found in the Purbeck beds of the Vale of Wardour, by the Rev. Mr. Brodie, who has also discovered remains of Phryganeidæ and a Termes in the same group of strata.
Panorpa ? Liassica. [Lign. 180].—In the Lias, on the banks of the Severn, at Wainlode Cliff, Gloucestershire, specimens of minute neuropterous wings have been discovered. I subjoin accurate figures of two specimens in the cabinet of the Geological Society; they are represented twice the natural size; they resemble the wings of a recent genus of Neuroptera, termed Panorpa; particularly P. Germanica. The transverse lines are not fractures, but nervures, and are faithfully copied from the originals.
To the above notice of British fossil neuropterous insects, I may add that the wing of a large species (Hemerobioides giganteus) has been discovered by Dr. Buckland in the Stonesfield slate.
Lign. 180. Wings of Neuropterous Insects. Twice nat. size.
(Drawn by S. P. Woodward, Esq.)
Lias. Wainlode Cliff.
Portions of the anterior wings of a species resembling Panorpa.