The tiny larva of a hovering (syrphid; Syrphidae) fly is very well-preserved in this specimen of Baltic amber, and could be 30-40 million years old. Although not protected by the hard cuticle possessed by many adult insects, immature stages can still be preserved in amber with hardly any loss of major external characteristics; detail is often so good that entomologists can key the species from the larval features. This specimen is surrounded by a lacy pattern of air dendrites produced in the resin matrix. The larva is approximately 10 mm in length.

©1999 3 dot studio -- all rights reserved; reproduction or distribution prohibited without consent