Tel Aviv:
In a discovery that seems like a step back into the ancient world, Israeli scientists have discovered a new species of flea preserved in amber. This remarkable find provides a rare glimpse into the distant past, about 99 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth along with a diverse range of insects.
The study, led by Dolav Fabrikant of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tanya (Tatiana) Novoselsky of the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University, is published in the peer-reviewed Israel Journal of Entomology.
This flea, called Miropictopallium coloradmonens, stands out from its ancient counterparts because of its vibrant and distinct coloration. While most ancient insects preserved in amber exhibit muted, yellow-brown tones, this flea has striking colors that likely served as a form of deterrent to predators, similar to a natural superhero cape.
“The new insect enriches our understanding of the contemporary world by providing insight into an important transitional era in the history of life on land. That era was marked by an increase in biological diversity and the beginnings of what would become modern ecosystems” , according to Fabrikant. .
The discovery of Miropictopallium coloradmonens was made possible by a piece of amber that turned up at a public sale, shedding light not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on the commercial routes of ancient relics. The presence of this flea in Myanmar's amber raises questions about its historical range and distribution, suggesting a broader understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.
The mid-Cretaceous period, characterized by warm and humid conditions, witnessed an explosion in insect diversity. This era provided fertile ground for the evolution of numerous species, including the colorful Miropictopallium coloradmonens.
However, as the climate changed and competition became fiercer, many of these species disappeared, leaving only traces preserved in amber for future generations to discover.
Amber, a fossilized tree resin, provides an exceptional medium for the preservation of organisms due to its unique properties. Amber begins as a resin secreted by certain trees, such as conifers, in response to injury or disease. When the resin flows from the tree, it can trap small organisms such as insects, spiders or even small vertebrates that happen to be nearby.
Over time, the resin hardens and solidifies into amber. This process can take millions of years as the volatile components of the substance evaporate, leaving a hardened structure. In addition, the resin has antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that normally break down organic matter. If the amber casing is airtight, oxygen, a major catalyst for spoilage, cannot penetrate.
“This newly discovered insect opens a fascinating chapter in the evolution of fleas and offers new perspectives on life during the mid-Cretaceous,” said Novoselsky.
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