A new genus and species of Eumolpinae, Eocenocolaspis aurichalceus gen. et sp. nov, is described and figured from the Eocene Baltic amber. This fossil taxon belongs to the group of Colaspis-like genera, and it is compared with related extant South American and Australian eumolpines. The studied inclusion possesses iridescent metallic colouration, resulting from the interference effect of almost completely preserved multi-layered microstructure within the cuticle. The issues surrounding such natural colouration of insect inclusions in amber and its preservation are briefly discussed. Consequently, a diurnal mode of life is suggested for the newly described fossil beetle.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bukejs et al. (2022) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: