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Meganeura

Meganeura brongniarti, a giant ancestor of dragonflies, soared through Carboniferous swamps with a remarkable 75 cm wingspan. As a top aerial predator, it played a critical role in controlling insect populations, embodying the rich biodiversity of ancient ecosystems.

453.592 g
Weight
Length: 30 cm
Size
Medium
Aggression
Characteristics
Meganeura brongniarti, a prehistoric insect resembling modern-day dragonflies, boasted an impressive wingspan of up to 75 cm. It thrived in the lush, swampy forests of the Carboniferous period, approximately 300 million years ago. This giant predator dominated aerial ecosystems, hunting smaller insects with precision.
Distribution Range of the Meganeura
Meganeura brongniarti, an extinct species of giant dragonfly-like insects, was native to the Carboniferous period approximately 300 million years ago. Fossils have been predominantly found in regions that are today part of Europe, particularly in France and England.
Meganeura's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
During the Carboniferous period, the Earth's climate was warm and humid, with large swampy areas dominated by dense forests of vascular plants such as ferns, horsetails, and seed ferns. Oxygen levels were higher than today's, which likely contributed to the large size of Meganeura.
Ecological Niche
Meganeura occupied a niche as a top aerial predator in its ecosystem. Its large size and powerful wings allowed it to prey on other insects and small invertebrates. It thrived in the dense vegetation of the Carboniferous swamps, which provided abundant food and habitat.