Name: Insects: Neuroptera, Diptera, Coleoptera
Age: Lower Cretaceous (~125 m.y.a.)
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): “Lacewing” 28 mm long . Beetles 4-6 mm, Dipteran : 6 mm Matrix: 75 mm by 61 mm.
Location: Yixian Formation, Chao Yang, Liaoning Province of China
 Description:
The Class Insecta is well represented in Liaoning and Hebei Provinces
of China, with over 500 species referable to over 100 families based
upon over 10,000 specimens. This fantastic diversity and exquisite
detail is unprecedented throughout the world. The large example is
most likely a member of the Neuroptera, or lacewings with color preservation.
There are several beetles, and a Dipteran (most likely a fungus gnat)
present as well, making for a most unusual aggregation. This is a
fine specimen with incredible detail preserved, particularly in the
wings of the largest specimen, from the dim past of 125 million years
ago. |
