Meganeura was a genus of griffin-like insects that lived during the Carboniferous and Permian periods, with a wingspan of over 75 cm. They are part of the order Protodonata and were obligate carnivores. Fossils have been found in France, the UK, and Oklahoma. Meganeura’s large size was likely due to higher oxygen levels, but recent studies suggest other factors may be responsible. Modern dragonflies are the best insect fliers, but Meganeura’s size made it deadly.
Meganeura was a genus of dragonfly-like insects that lived during the late part of the Paleozoic era, during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. It includes the largest known flying insect species, including Meganeura monyi, Meganeura americana, and Meganeuropsis permiana, a closely related species. These so-called “griffins” had a wingspan of over 75 cm (2.5 feet). Some griffins persisted into the Triassic and possibly the early Triassic.
Meganeura and its relatives are considered griffins rather than dragonflies because they derive from a different lineage, despite evolutionary convergence and similarity. Meganeura and its relatives are part of the order Protodonata, which means “primitive dragonfly”. They are not considered true dragonflies because they lack some distinguishing features found in dragonflies. For example, the pattern of veins on the fore and hind wings of Meganeura are nearly the same, in contrast to modern dragonflies which have very similar vein patterns.
Meganeura means “large veins,” a reference to the dense network of veins that supported its wings like a skeleton, while also providing oxygen. Meganeura was an obligate carnivore, and in addition to having its pick of virtually any other insect, it also ate small amphibians and other vertebrates. Frequenting the edges of ponds, streams, and other waterways, Meganeura would have used its long legs to grab prey and hold it. The legs were covered in small spines to prevent escape. Once captured, the griffon would kill and consume its prey with large, sharp mandibles.
Fossils of Meganeura have been found in France, the United Kingdom, Oklahoma and other places. When asking how Meganeura got so big, scientists speculated that oxygen could be responsible. There were higher oxygen levels in Carboniferous forests than today, which would have made it easier for insects to absorb oxygen from the outside and continue to function. However, recent studies have found that insects may in fact have some breathing mechanism and therefore would not be entirely dependent on oxygen levels in the environment for survival. Other factors may be responsible for the lack of dragonfly-like predators of this size in the modern world.
Meganeura’s large size is a testament to the effectiveness of the dragonfly’s basic body plan. Modern dragonflies are actually the best insect fliers, capable of speeds of 70 mph with excellent maneuverability, but Meganeura’s size makes it unlikely that it was that fast. It was probably still very fast and deadly.
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