Mayflies as resource pulses in Jurassic lacustrine ecosystems

Abstract Resource pulses, occasional events of ephemeral resource superabundance, represent a fundamental mechanism by which energy, nutrients, and biomass are transported across ecotones. They widespread in extant ecosystems; however, little is known about their deep-time record. We report the earliest-known mayfly swarm from Early Jurassic Xiwan biota southern China. Our taphonomic sedimentological analyses show that these mayflies were buried on bottom calm lake after post-mating death. suite suggests complex mating-swarm behavior was already well established Jurassic. More importantly, our find represents pulse insects, can play substantial role nutrient transport aquatic ecosystems to surrounding terrestrial ecosystems. Such an aquatic-terrestrial ecosystem linkage may be key novelty Mesozoic lacustrine results high-light underappreciated ecological significance insects ecology.