Baissoptera

Baissoptera is an extinct order of insects known from the Lower Cretaceous period (specifically the late Aptian to early Albian stages) of the Baissa locality in Transbaikalia, Siberia. They are characterized by their unique wing venation, particularly the presence of numerous crossveins and the complexity of their wing structure.

The order was erected to accommodate a group of fossil insects that shared common features distinguishing them from other contemporaneous insect groups. Baissoptera are significant because they provide insights into the evolutionary history and diversification of insects during the Mesozoic era. They contribute to our understanding of the paleoecology of the Baissa fossil locality and the insect fauna present at that time.

Key features used to define Baissoptera include:

• Wing Venation: Complex wing venation with numerous crossveins.
• Wing Shape: Specific wing shape and aspect ratio.
• Other Morphological Characters: Other subtle morphological features visible in fossilized remains.

The exact phylogenetic relationships of Baissoptera to other insect orders remain a subject of ongoing research. Their unique combination of traits makes them an important group for understanding the evolutionary relationships of Mesozoic insects.