Article may be outdated

This article is 76 days old. Some details may have changed since publication.

Space Daily·4 min read·medium

The largest insects that ever lived were dragonflies with wingspans of more than two feet, grown in an ancient atmosphere so much richer in oxygen that nothing that size could survive in the air we br

The largest insects that ever lived were dragonflies with wingspans of more than two feet, grown in an ancient atmosphere so much richer in oxygen that nothing that size could survive in the air we br
AI Summary

This article explores the biology of Meganeuropsis permiana, an extinct griffinfly from the Early Permian period that reached massive sizes. It explains that these insects thrived due to higher atmospheric oxygen levels and the absence of aerial predators.

Why it matters

Understanding the physiological limits of ancient insects provides insight into how atmospheric composition influences evolutionary development and body size.

Dive DeeperCreate a free account to unlock

The largest insect known to science was a predator called Meganeuropsis permiana, with a wingspan of about 71 centimetres, a little over two feet.

Continue reading on Headlinne

Create a free account to read the full article.

Read full article →
scienceenvironment
Political Bias
Center
LeftLean LCenterLean RRight
Confidence: 95%

The article is a factual, scientific explanation of paleontology with no political or social agenda.

Get smarter about the news

Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.

Create free account

Already have an account? Sign in