taxonID	type	description	language	source
B2670A3A383AD6075ED6FEB3FCD7E547.taxon	discussion	Comments. † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. is proposed as a synonym under † Pherodactylina for the following reasons: According to the principle of priority, † Pherodactylina is the oldest name that groups the fossil taxa † Pherodactylus (type genus) and † Burmagryllotalpa, sensu Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023). Gu et al. (2024) later included these two genera in † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov., along with additional genera such as † Pseudogryllotalpa (type genus), † Unidigitus, and † Petilus, as well as genera synonymized by Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023) like † Tresdigitus. † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. was conceptualized similarly to † Pherodactylina, so we propose them as synonyms. Regarding morphology, † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. is diagnosed as having “ Proximal flagellomeres markedly compressed; prothoracic legs robust, protibia paddle-like with dactylar processes on the inner side; probasitarsus elongated; mesotibia with two parallel rows of long dorsal setae; metatibia strong, covered by dense and stout setae, with some small denticle-like spines on the inner dorsal margin, becoming larger apically ” (Gu et al. 2024). However, some discrepancies arise if we examine each characteristic: 1) “ Proximal flagellomeres markedly compressed. ” When comparing this with the specimens studied by Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023) and the photographs and drawings by Gu et al. (2024), this character is not as evident as described by Gu et al. (2024). At least, the flagellomeres have a similar shape, tending to be sub-cylindrical. However, the scape may be moderately flattened dorsoventrally (although not very prominent), as seen in various field crickets like Sclerogryllus Gorochov, 1985 or Mellogryllus Cadena-Castañeda, Tavares & Fernandes, 2022 (Gryllinae), and even in Majialandrevus He, 2021 and different Odontogryllini genera (Landrevinae) (Cadena-Castañeda et al. 2022, 2023; Campos & de Mello 2014; Oya et al. 2024), among others. This demonstrates it is not an exclusive characteristic of † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov., even though it is one of the two homologous characters (character 9: state 1) supporting this taxon. Upon examining this character and realizing it is not exclusive to † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov., the clade grouping this family would lose stability. 2) “ Prothoracic legs robust, protibia paddle-like with dactylar processes on the inner side. ” This characteristic was analyzed by Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023). The comparison shows the different modifications seen in groups of orthopterans with legs adapted for digging. Although different, these groups share a pattern where the apical spurs of the fore tibiae take the form of dactyls or thickened spurs. Since they exhibit fossorial behavior, the effort required for digging is reflected in the first pair of legs being more robust than usual compared to related groups. That occurs in mole crickets, Jerusalem crickets, sandgropers, pygmy mole crickets, and modern field crickets, which are the most notable examples. That demonstrates that modifying the first pair of legs for digging has appeared multiple times and could be considered a convergence of different groups of orthopterans that share a subterranean lifestyle. This characteristic was codified in the morphological matrix used by Gu et al. (2024) and corresponds to the binary character 16 (leg development). Some comments must be made regarding the codification of this character once the two states are (0) “ Not Sturdy ” and (1) “ Sturdy. ” Additionally, this character was recovered as a synapomorphy of the clade Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae. However, this character seems arbitrary, as no parameters define what constitutes a robust foreleg. All representatives of † Pseudogryllotalpidae were coded as having robust legs (state 1, see Gu et al. 2024, Data S 2). However, these crickets have legs similar to modern burrowing crickets, such as Mellogryllus. Additionally, the species Myrmecophilus americanus Saussure (Myrmecophilidae) was also coded as state 1, meaning it has a robust leg. However, these crickets have slender legs because, despite living in cavities, they are not burrowers but rather parasites in ant nests. Thus, they do not dig galleries; they merely take advantage of those built by ants (Junker, 1997). 3) “ Probasitarsus elongated. ” This characteristic could be subject to variation. For example, it is not specified how elongated it is, which can lead to subjective interpretation. The consistent feature of this characteristic in the different fossil taxa analyzed here is that the first tarsomere of the foreleg can be as long as one-third or half the length of the foretibia. However, this first tarsomere can be similar in size to the third tarsomere or slightly longer, as can happen in different groups of crickets like Gryllidae or some Phalangopsidae, among others (Desutter 1990; Cadena-Castañeda & García García 2020; Tavares et al. 2024). A similar character was used in the phylogenetic matrix and coded as the multistate character 23 (Probasitarsus length), with the state (0) “ Basitarsus equal to the third tarsomere, ” (1) “ Basitarsus longer than the third tarsomere, ” and (2) “ Basitarsus shorter than the third tarsomere. ” All † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. species (with available information) were coded as state 1. However, this clearly is not a unique characteristic of this taxon once other Grylloidea terminal taxa were also coded as state 1 (see Gu et al. 2024, Data S 2). 4) “ Mesotibia with two parallel rows of long dorsal setae. ” This character is one of the synapomorphies (character 27: state 1) that supports the clade of † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. This has not been formally documented in other field crickets. However, it is also observed in other ground crickets such as Mellogryllus, Zebragryllus, and Xulavuna de Mello & Campos, 2014 (Cadena-Castañeda, Tavares & Fernandes 2022; Oya et al. 2024; Tavares et al. 2024). It suggests that this characteristic may occur in other crickets but has not been recorded in descriptions or studies, so it has probably been overlooked. 5) “ Metatibia strong, covered by dense and stout setae and with some small denticle-like spines on the inner dorsal margin, becoming larger apically. ” This character is observed in modern and fossil Sclerogryllini (Cadena-Castañeda et al. 2023). This characteristic should also be evaluated in different groups of orthopterans with fossorial habits to confirm in which groups it might be present. In addition to the characteristics presented in the diagnosis, we have to discuss some characters coded in the phylogenetic matrix and recovered as synapomorphies of Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae. Regarding Grylloidea, three characters were recovered as synapomorphies: 29 (0), 34 (0), and 37 (0). The homologous state 0 (no) of character 29 (Mesotibia with apical spurs ia 1, ia 2, oa 1, and oa 2) was recovered as a synapomorphy of Grylloidea. All terminals of the clade Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae and the two outgroups were coded as state 1 (yes). However, it is not possible to visualize the ventral apical spur in any of the presented images of the † Pseudogryllotalpidae specimens, only in the vector illustrations where a small ventral spur is represented behind the other spurs (see Gu et al. 2024, Figs 4 D, 5 F). In the original description of Pherodactylus micromorphus, the authors described it as having only four median spurs (Poinar et al. 2020). Modern gryllotalpids also have four apical spurs on the mesotibia, as does Marchandia magnifica Perrichot, Néraudeau, Azar, Menier & Nel (2002). However, all these taxa were coded as having five spurs. It was not possible to confirm if the outgroups, Aboilomimus ornatus Liu, Zhou, Bi & Tang and Mecopoda niponensis (Haan), had four or five apical spurs once this character is not described in the original descriptions. However, it is not of our knowledge that any Tettigoniidae has five apical spurs. The homoplastic state 0 (no) of character 34 (Metatibia apical spurs disposed around the tibial apex) was recovered as a synapomorphy of Grylloidea. However, the apical spurs of all taxa of † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov., represented in all the images presented in the work of Gu et al. (2024) or of previously described species (Cadena-Castañeda et al. 2023; Poinar et al. 2020), are arranged in pairs, three on each margin, as in other Grylloidea. Regarding the clade Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae, the homologous state 1 (longer than the pronotum but shorter than the body) of character 7 (antenna length) was recovered as a synapomorphy. However, this trait is frequently found in Gryllidae, especially those with burrowing habits (e. g., Zebragryllus and Mellogryllus) (Oya et al. 2024; Tavares et al. 2024). The species Myrmecophilus (Myrmophilina) americanus Saussure, 1877 (Myrmecophylidae) was also coded as state 1, meaning its antennae are longer than the pronotum but shorter than the body. However, these crickets have antennae that are slightly longer than their bodies. The homologous state 1 (with strong setae) of character 20 (external surface of the fore tibia) was recovered as a synapomorphy of Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae. However, this trait is also found in Mellogryllus. The species M. americanus (Myrmecophylidae) was also coded as state 1, meaning it possesses such setae on the fore tibia. However, Myrmecophilus species do not exhibit this trait. The homoplasious state 1 (yes) of character 25 (ventral surface of the probasitarsus with strong setae) was recovered as a synapomorphy (homoplasy) of Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae. However, this trait is also found in Mellogryllus. The homologous state 1 (yes) of character 31 (metatibia gradually thickened from the base to the tip) was recovered as a synapomorphy of Gryllotalpoidea + † Pseudogryllotalpidae. However, there is clear subjectivity here, as all representatives of Gryllotalpoidea and † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. were coded as having this character, but the metatibia presented in the work resembles that of a common modern cricket, with a slight gradual thickening from the base to the apex. Additionally, Myrmecophilus species have the metatibia slightly enlarged medially but narrow apically. On the other hand, the terminals used in the matrix to represent Grylloidea were coded as not having such a character state. Finally, it became clear to us that the codification of the matrix characters left room for subjectivity. Additionally, when analyzing the diagnostic characteristics of † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov., it becomes clear that they are not entirely exclusive to this family. However, compared with the morphological analysis of Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023), it is evident that † Pseudogryllotalpidae syn. nov. is a synonym of † Pherodactylina. Based on the same arguments provided in that morphological analysis, the original placement of † Pherodactylina as a subtribe of Sclerogryllini is preserved, dismissing the idea that it represents a different family or a transitional group between crickets and mole crickets. On the contrary, these fossil crickets and the recently described M. mutus are notable examples of morphological convergence due to a similar lifestyle.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
B2670A3A383CD6075ED6FBCFFCD4E1C3.taxon	discussion	Comments. The four previously mentioned genera are regarded as synonyms of † Pherodactylus. All the species and genera represent different sexes, developmental stages, or variations of one of the two currently recognized † Pherodactylus species. Generally, all the analyzed taxa exhibit a similar coloration pattern, with variations in the intensity of spots or stripes. However, they consistently display a pair of large spots on the pronotal disc resembling “ eyespots. ” Although Gu et al. (2024) stated that the species they studied lack ocelli, this should be re-evaluated, as ocelli are present (though faint) in the other taxa analyzed. The authors were likely unable to observe this character due to the preservation state of their specimens. One of the most distinctive features is the shape of the foreleg, tympanum, and dactyls, which are consistent across the different taxa examined. The tegmina are similar in length and shape, although venation is often not discernible in most specimens (only visible to the specimens studied by Cadena-Castañeda et al. 2023). The hind tibia, characterized by several small spines on the dorsal side near the apex, is another shared character among these taxa, further linking them to Sclerogryllus. The mentioned characteristics are either consistently present or exhibit minor variations in the analyzed taxa. The genera proposed by Gu et al. (2024) are monotypic and have been synonymized under one of the two † Pherodactylus species. Each case is detailed and justified below.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
B2670A3A383CD6045ED6F8E9FEB7E153.taxon	discussion	Comments. † Pseudogryllotalpa scalprata Gu, Yuan & Ma, 2024 syn. nov. is synonymized under † P. micromorphus. The specimen used to describe † P. micromorphus was a subadult female, while the type specimen of † P. scalprata syn. nov. is an adult female. Despite being females at different developmental stages, several characteristics are shared. † P. micromorphus had developing wings, which is one of the characteristics distinguishing it from † P. rectanguli, whose adult females are wingless. Unfortunately, the wing venation and shape of † P. scalprata syn. nov. are not visible. However, the shape of the tympanum and the apical spurs or dactyls in both † P. micromorphus and † P. scalprata syn. nov. match, as does the arrangement of the setae, spines, and spurs on the mid and hind tibiae. The congruence of these characters indicates they belong to the same species, thus the synonymy of † P. scalprata syn. nov. is effective. Besides, a lack of congruence is seen in the original description of the species and the genus. † P. scalprata syn. nov. is described as having an elongated pronotum, but for the genus, the pronotum is described as “ relatively short and nearly quadrate in dorsal view. ” † Unidigitus longialatus Gu, Yuan & Yue, 2024 syn. nov. is synonymized under † P. micromorphus. The specimen on which the description of † U. longialatus syn. nov. was based is an adult female. The genus name † Unidigitus derives from only one dactyl on the fore tibia. However, according to the photographs in the original description, this does not seem to be the case. At least one additional dactyl appears to be broken, and the tarsal segments of at least the left foreleg are not fully preserved. Additionally, the apex and terminal appendages of this only foreleg present are clearly not well preserved, suggesting that additional dactyls may be lost. That raises questions about the supposed single dactyl on the foreleg. Does the same condition apply to the other foreleg? It is not specified in the original description, so verifying it would be interesting. In other characteristics, the specimen aligns with † P. micromorphus. The coloration of the † U. longialatus syn. nov. female follows the typical pattern of † P. micromorphus and † P. scalprata syn. nov. The tympanum is similar and present on both sides of the tibia, and the ovipositor shows no variation between the species compared here. Regarding the wings, the venation is not visible, but both forewings and hindwings are developed. It is not entirely clear for † P. scalprata syn. nov., as its original description does not mention fully developed hindwings, though they might be present, and the positioning of the photographs might obscure them. Based on the evidence presented here, the synonymy of † U. longialatus syn. nov. is established. † Petilus zhengi Gu, Yuan & Ma, 2024 syn. nov. is also synonymized under † P. micromorphus. The specimen used to describe † P. zhengi syn. nov. is an immature female with the thorax partially separated from the abdomen, from which part of the organs and internal contents are exposed. In the † Petilus diagnosis, the genus is distinguished by “ elongated pronotum; tympana present on the outer side only; tarsus relatively slender; short and thick ovipositor, laterally broadened. ” The pronotum of † P. zhengi syn. nov. is described as elongated, but this could be a misinterpretation due to the separation of the thorax from the abdomen in the type specimen, giving the impression that the pronotum is more elongated compared to the other taxa discussed here. The tympana are only present on the outer side of the tibia, which is possible. In some cricket species, in nymphal stages, one or both tympana may not be fully formed and develop in subsequent stages or adulthood. Even in adult crickets, individuals can exhibit tympana at varying stages of development or even lack them altogether (Cadena-Castañeda et al. 2022; Tavares et al. 2024). The dactyls and tarsomeres of the legs show similarities with the subadult or adult specimens of † P. micromorphus. The ovipositors of both species in their nymphal stages are also similar, except that in the holotype of † P. micromorphus, the valvae are slightly separated in the dorsal view. The coloration pattern of the † P. zhengi syn. nov. holotype is similar to † P. micromorphus and the other synonymized species exhibit lighter tones compared to the other analyzed specimens. Based on the arguments discussed, the synonymy of † P. zhengi syn. nov. is established.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
B2670A3A383FD6055ED6F919FEDDE7F3.taxon	discussion	Comments. Regarding the synonymy of † Tresdigitus gracilis Jiang, Xu, Jarzembowski & Xiao, 2022 under † P. rectanguli is confirmed based on the morphological similarities outlined by Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023). Gu et al. (2024) used the original combinations to address the fossil terminal taxa. However, the authors did not make nor clearly state any nomenclatural acts, as the Code demands (Ride et al. 1999), so the revalidation of the original combination did not take effect. Nonetheless, the synonymy of the species is reaffirmed here to avoid future misunderstandings.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
B2670A3A383ED6055ED6FD99FEB7E4C1.taxon	discussion	Comments. = † Chunxiania fascia Gu, Yuan & Ma, 2024 syn. nov. is synonymized under † C. fania. The type specimen of † C. fascia syn. nov. is an adult male, just like the type specimen of † C. fania. When comparing the morphological characteristics of both holotype males and the additional specimens studied by Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2023), it is evident that they belong to the same species. The shape of the foretibia, the presence of tympana on both sides and the structure of the “ dactyls ” are very similar. The shape of the pronotum and the pair of spots on it also match. Additionally, the diagnostic characteristics of the genus, which are the tubercles or conical projections on the face, are present in both males. Based on the arguments discussed, the synonymy of † C. fascia syn. nov. is established.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
B2670A3A383ED6055ED6FEDDFCEDE6D3.taxon	discussion	Comments. In this new revision, † Chunxiania is revalidated as a valid genus. The differentiation between † Chunxiania and † Pherodactylus lies mainly in the conical processes or projections located on the males’ faces. This key characteristic was not described in the original description of the genus. For all other characteristics that can be observed in the available fossils, † Chunxiania and † Pherodactylus are very similar. This genus only includes the type species † Chunxiania fania Xu, Wang & Fang, 2022.	en	Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Tavares, Gustavo Costa, Hu, Tian-Hao, He, Zhu-Qing (2024): On the Myanmar amber field-crickets described as “ transitional ” mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidea). Zootaxa 5555 (4): 579-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5555.4.5
