Imagine a creature that scuttled among the feet of dinosaurs, smaller than a grain of rice, and then became perfectly preserved in amber for over 100 million years. This is not a scene from a science fiction movie, but a real-life discovery that has captivated the scientific community. The creature in question is an ancient scorpion, specifically a microwhip scorpion, or palpigrade, named Electrokoenenia yaksha.
Discovery:
The discovery of Electrokoenenia yaksha was made by an international team led by Michael S. Engel of the University of Kansas and the American Museum of Natural History in the US and Diying Huang of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology in the People’s Republic of China. The team found the minute fossilized remains of this scorpion trapped in Burmese amber from the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar.
The Scorpion:
Despite its name, the microwhip scorpion is only distantly related to true scorpions. The 1.47-millimeter-long specimen found was a yellowish female that lived 100 million years ago during the Mesozoic period, making it the first microwhip scorpion fossil from this period ever discovered.
Cr. Available at Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems
Significance:
The discovery of Electrokoenenia yaksha is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is the only known fossil of its order to be found in amber, providing a unique window into the creature's anatomy and morphology. Secondly, it sheds light on the biodiversity of the Cretaceous era, suggesting that microwhip scorpions were more diverse and widely distributed than previously thought. This finding challenges our understanding of arthropod evolution and helps us piece together the puzzle of life during the dinosaur era.
Cr. Available at Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems
Beyond Scorpions:
Burmese amber, also known as Burmite, is a treasure trove of ancient life, not just for scorpions. This fossilized resin, formed from the sap of trees that grew during the Late Cretaceous period, has preserved a stunning array of creatures, including:
Spiders: Perfectly preserved eight-legged denizens of the Cretaceous, some boasting intricate leg spines and hair-like structures.
Beetles: Armored giants and delicate miniatures, representing a wide range of beetle families that thrived millions of years ago.
Flies: These early Diptera offer insights into the evolution of insect flight and pollination.
Mosquitoes: The fossilized remains of ancient bloodsuckers, complete with mouthparts and wing venation, reveal their surprisingly sophisticated anatomy.
Cr. Available at Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems
Visiting Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems:
If you're fascinated by the wonders of Burmese amber and its fossilized inhabitants, Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems is a must-visit destination. This reputable shop, located on Silom Road, Bangkok Thailand, boasts a stunning collection of amber pieces, many containing exquisitely preserved insects, including:
Scorpions: Witness the intricate details of ancient scorpions, frozen in time, from their segmented bodies to their delicate claws and stinging tails.
Spiders: Marvel at the mesmerizing webs spun by Cretaceous weavers, preserved alongside their eight-legged forms in the golden amber.
Other insects: Explore the diversity of the Cretaceous insect world, from delicate flies to armored beetles, each offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Cr. Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems shop. Silom 19, Silom Road, Bangkok THAILAND
Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems also showcases a wide variety of amber jewelry, gemstones, and other exquisite handicrafts. Whether you're a scientific enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a lover of beautiful objects, Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems offers a unique and enriching experience.
So, come step back in time and explore the wonders of the Cretaceous era, one fossilized insect at a time, at Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems.
Cr. Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems shop. Silom 19, Silom Road, Bangkok THAILAND
Remember, these are just a few examples of the many creatures found in Burmese amber. As scientific research continues and new discoveries are made, our understanding of this remarkable window into the past will only deepen.
References:
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