Description

Mazothairos, a name derived from its discovery location, Mazon Creek, and the Greek term "thairos," meaning 'hinge', is an extinct genus of massive insects that existed during the Carboniferous period. This insect belonged to the order Palaeodictyoptera. While our knowledge of it is based on scant remains from a single fossil, scientists estimate that it boasted an impressive wingspan of approximately 56 centimeters (22 inches). This size makes it one of the largest insects known, second in scale only to the largest members of the Meganisoptera order.

Mazothairos holds the distinction of being the largest known representative of the Palaeodictyoptera order, a category of insects known for their unique beak-like mouthparts. These mouthparts were characterized by elongated, sharp, piercing structures, and it's suggested that these insects might have possessed a pump-like organ for sucking plant fluids by puncturing plant tissues. Additionally, members of this group are recognizable by the presence of a pair of winglets on the prothorax, situated in front of their primary wings, earning them the nickname "six-winged insects."

Unfortunately, due to the fragmentary nature of the sole Mazothairos fossil, the full extent of these characteristics in this species remains uncertain.