The fossil record of plant-insect interactions and associated entomofaunas in Permian and Triassic floras from southwestern Gondwana: A review and future prospects

Abstract

Plant-insect interactions are among the most common biotic relationships, both in diversity and abundance. The fossil record reflects these associations as damage traces on the leaves, stems or seeds, allowing researchers to identify the type of interaction and infer about its insect producer. Here, we present an update of the current knowledge of Permian and Triassic floras with evidence of plant-insect interactions from southwestern Gondwana and list other numerous units with high potential for plant-insect interaction analyses. When present, we also add information about the associated paleoentomofaunas, as they offer a unique opportunity for inferences about the producers of the damage. The Permian–Triassic time interval is of major interest due to salient biotic and abiotic events of regional and global significance. Therefore, we discuss the main abiotic factors that could have acted as key drivers controlling the interactions between plants and insects. With this contribution we hope to inspire other researchers to consider looking for evidence of arthropod damage in fossil floras and thus adding valuable knowledge for understanding the dynamics of ancient ecosystems.