Spider in amber

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Spider in amber

Spider in amber. Macrophotograph of a fossilized spider (at left) and fly embedded in Baltic amber. Amber is fossilized resin that was produced by various coniferous trees. The sticky resin trapped small insects and other animals as it solidified and hardened, preserving their bodies for millions of years. This is one of the few processes by which fossils are preserved complete with all of their soft tissues. Animals preserved in this way include various types of insect including mosquitoes, wasps and ants. Many of these species are now extinct

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6369125

© SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Amber Fossil Invertebrate Fossilized Fossils Macro Photograph Resin Spider Baltic Amber Palaeontology

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the incredible preservation power of amber. The image captures a mesmerizing moment frozen in time, as a fossilized spider and fly are forever encased within a golden-hued piece of Baltic amber. Amber, formed from the resin secreted by ancient coniferous trees, acted as nature's own time capsule, capturing small insects and creatures that became trapped in its sticky embrace. Through millions of years, this remarkable process has allowed us to witness these prehistoric animals with astonishing clarity. The delicate details of their bodies have been impeccably preserved, offering invaluable insights into the world that once existed long before our time. In this particular photograph, we see an intricate macro view of the spider at left while it shares its amber prison with a tiny fly. Both species are representative examples of the diverse insect life that inhabited our planet eons ago. It is through such rare finds that paleontologists gain access to complete specimens with intact soft tissues - an extraordinary occurrence in the fossil record. As we gaze upon this stunning image captured by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of how nature's processes can create breathtaking works of art while simultaneously providing us with invaluable scientific knowledge about Earth's ancient inhabitants.

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