I have always been intrigued by the idea of insects trapped in amber many millions of years ago but had never actually seen any until recently. I now have a couple of small pieces, one containing a tiny midge and the other a slightly larger Caddis Fly. Both have been checked for authenticity and have been confirmed to date from the Eocene period, approximately 50 million years ago. I don't know whether it's just me, but the idea that I can see an insect that was flying around 50 million years ago almost blows my mind.
Here are a few images. The midge is tiny, approximately 2-3mm in length so is heavily magnified.
PLEASE CLICK ON ALL IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER VERSIONS
In this image of the midge you can actually see its compound eye;
and in this one, you can see the feathery antennae, just like you see on midges today;
Here's the Caddis Fly;
Finally, a close-up of a 50 million year old Caddis Fly wing!
Do they still exist until today? The Caddis fly? It's amazing to know that their bodies have been preserved in those ambers for 50 million years! That dates back to a time when even humans didn't exist. Wow! =)
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment. It is amazing looking at a 50 million year old isn't it? Yes, we still have Caddis Flies today, here's an example;
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/25171701@N08/3534784295/
best wishes
Matt