C. 1-2 Million years old – Antropocene Period

Insect Order: Diptera

A polished, fossil Copal (young amber) containing eight or nine diptera inclusions, from Madagascar.

Amber is a fossilised resin or gum which is produced by some plants. Fossil resins were first recorded in the Carboniferous age, although they did not occur until the Early Cretaceous period. Amber deposits were commonly found in the Baltic region and Dominican Republic. It is most likely that ambers were mainly ancient gymnosperm resins (seed produced plants like conifers), although such gums are produced today by flowering plants. Occasionally Baltic amber contains remains of plants or insects, which are formed in forests of primitive species of pine, Pinus succinifera. When a tree is traumatized due to attack or growth splits, it releases resin from within the tree.

The Order Diptera (true flies) includes many common insects which have (two wings) one pair. Whereas most insects have four wings (two pairs).

A nice example with clear view of multiple insects inside.

Amber size: 15mm x 101mm