Predators or Herbivores: Cockroaches of Manipulatoridae Revisited with a New Genus from Cretaceous Myanmar Amber (Dictyoptera: Blattaria: Corydioidea)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There are many more wild cockroaches than household species, but they mostly live a similar life to the latter, feeding on dead and inactive organic material, and hiding in confined spaces. Most of the fossil cockroaches are similar to modern ones in their general appearance, so the lifestyle of the fossil species is probably similar to that of modern cockroaches. Years ago, a unique fossil cockroach, Manipulator modificaputis Vršanský and Bechly, 2015, was discovered from Cretaceous Myanmar amber. This species somewhat resembles mantises and was speculated to be a predator. However, this hypothesis is debatable. In the present study, we redescribe Manipulator modificaputis based on new material, and describe a closely related new species, Manipulatoides obscura gen. & sp. nov. We discuss the feeding habit of these species, and consider that they tend to live around and feed on flowers (as occasionally do some modern cockroaches), instead of hunting for prey. So far, no cockroaches specialized in predation have been affirmed. ABSTRACT: Manipulator modificaputis Vršanský and Bechly, 2015 (Manipulatoridae, Corydioidea) is a purported predatory cockroach from Cretaceous Myanmar amber, based on a single male. It is distinctive by the nimble head, elongate pronotum and legs, and particularly by the extraordinarily long maxillary palpi. In the present study, we redescribe Manipulator modificaputis based on six new fossils including males and females, and comment on the original description. The closely related Manipulatoides obscura gen. & sp. nov. is proposed on the basis of five fossils, including males and females. It differs from Manipulator in weaker spination of the legs, including the type-C forefemoral spination instead of the type-A of Manipulator. Some undetermined adults and nymphs are also described. We discuss the ethology of Manipulatoridae and speculate that they might feed on flowers. They are unlikely to be specialized predators since they lack necessary weaponry for capturing prey; in contrast, their unique morphotype appears to be suitable for efficient foraging and locomotion amid flowering twigs. The possibility of being kleptoparasites of the spider-web is also discussed. In addition, regenerated four-segmented tarsi are found from the new species.