 This
is a fine example of a large insect from the lithographic limestone
deposits of Solnhofen, Germany, known as Propygolampis bronni. These
150 million year old deposits are famous for their exceptionally
well-preserved organisms, the most famous of which are the handful
of specimens of the ancient bird Archaeopteryx. Crustaceans, Insects,
Fish, and others are also preserved with fine detail. Although it
looks much like a modern-day water-strider (Hemiptera: Gerridae),
its closet relatives are the stick insects. It is presumed to have
made its living as the water-striders do, skating across the surface
of the water, preying on other insects that it came across. The
first two legs are typically preserved extended forward as seen
here. It was previously known as Chresmoda obscura, but that name
was found to be preoccupied by a short-horned grasshopper.
Also
see: Solnhofen Fossils |
