Chresmoda is an extinct genus of insects within the family
Chresmodidae.
Description
Reconstruction of C.obscura
Chresmoda are large enigmatic insects with very long specialized legs, probably adapted for skating on the water surface similar to
pond skaters. They can reach a body length of about 25 millimetres (0.98 in), with a forewing length of about 28 millimetres (1.1 in).[1] Some lagre specimens could reached a size of about 19 centimetres (7.5 in).[2]
These Polyneoptera of uncertain position have been considered aquatic and living on the water surface, probably predaceous on nektonic small animals.[3][4]
Chresmoda neotropica Engel & Heads, 2008
Crato Formation, Brazil, Aptian
Chresmoda obscura Germar, 1839
Solnhofen Limestone, Germany, Tithonian: can reach a size of about 14 centimetres (5.5 in).[8] These
Polyneoptera of uncertain position have been considered aquatic and terrestrial bug or
phasmids. They should instead be anomalous paraplecopterids living on the water surface, probably predaceous on nektonic small animals.[9] They lived during the
Jurassic of Germany, from 150.8 to 145.5 Ma.[1]
Chresmoda orientalis Esaki, 1949
Yixian Formation, China, Aptian