A team of researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) has discovered a new type of insect called Calliarcys antiquus. This insect belongs to the mayfly family and was found trapped inside a piece of Baltic amber that is estimated to be between 35 and 47 million years old.
Professor Javier Alba-Tercedor from UGR’s Department of Zoology used a special imaging technique called microtomography, which is similar to X-ray imaging, to carefully examine and identify the insect. Despite the amber being not very transparent, this method allowed for a detailed study of the specimen. This discovery demonstrates the valuable knowledge we can gain from studying insects preserved in amber.
