Scorpions (which are 8-legged arachnids, and not insects) are rare finds in amber. Large ones, like the tropical species shown here in Dominican amber, are even more scarce. This specimen has unfortunately lost its head and pedipalps (claw-like pincer appendages) in preparation, but the rest of the body, including a frighteningly prominent stinging apparatus in the tail, is beautifully preserved. This scorpion, probably measuring over 4 cm dates to approximately 15-20 MYr ago, and was a fairly common venomous predatory inhabitant of the amber forest, most especially in the New World.