Research summary
Classification used here: Giant griffinfly. Fossils assigned to Meganeura are known from Late Carboniferous (about 300 million years ago) and have been found in Europe (Commentry, France). The museum uses 0.7 m (about 2.3 ft) as the reference wingspan and describes the diet as meat-eater. Meganeura was a giant extinct griffinfly related to modern dragonflies, but it was not a true modern dragonfly. Late Carboniferous fossils from Commentry, France, indicate a wingspan of about 70 centimetres, and the wing veins preserved in the type specimen guide the four-wing reconstruction. Strong spines on the legs of close relatives suggest that they could bring all six legs together as a basket for catching prey in the air, but little of Meganeura's complete body is preserved. Its yellow-and-black colour, translucent wing membranes, exact vein branches, number of leg spines and wing beats are cautious artistic reconstructions guided by the evidence.
Fossil evidence and reconstruction limits
- Meganeura belonged to an extinct griffinfly group related to dragonflies; it was not a true modern dragonfly.
- About 0.7 metres describes the wingspan, not the body length.
- The wing-vein evidence is strong, while the complete soft body, body colour, eye colour and exact number of leg spines are poorly known.
- High oxygen levels may have helped insects grow large, but they are not proven to be the only cause.
Scientific sources
Leon Made This compiled these research notes from public museum resources and scientific papers while preserving uncertainty in the reconstruction. Last reviewed 2026-08-07.
