Description

Gigatitan is a genus of prehistoric titanopteran insect that inhabited Kyrgyzstan in the Triassic era. Fossil remains of Gigatitan have been discovered within the Madygen Formation, establishing it as the type genus of the Gigatitanidae family.

Gigatitan, characterized by its notable size, had a wingspan estimated to reach up to 40 centimetres (16 in). Despite its expansive wings, which approached the hindwing area of modern large orthopteran, its body mass was approximately 150% greater than them. This suggests that Gigatitan might not have possessed the capability of sustained flight, but perhaps had the capacity for gliding.

In its natural habitat, Gigatitan assumed a mantis-like predatory role, equipped with forelegs that were similarly enlarged and adorned with spines for capturing prey. Distinct dark transverse stripes adorned its wings, resembling those found on the wings of the diurnal mantis species Blepharopsis mendica.

Furthermore, Gigatitan's wings exhibited the ability to produce flashes, a feature operative only during daylight hours, potentially offering enhanced protection against predators. These characteristics point to Gigatitan's identity as a diurnal predator. As observed in other titanopteran insects, the forewings displayed prominent fluted regions, indicating the potential for stridulation. However, unlike modern crickets or katydids, both male and female Gigatitan possessed wings suitable for stridulation. The ovipositor of Gigatitan featured sharp cutting ridges, likely employed for creating openings in plant material for oviposition, akin to certain contemporary Orthoptera.