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Showing results for tags 'bee'.
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This was in a collection of decorative eggs from my grandfather. What do you guys think of it, is it genuine?
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Inclusion in burmite amber possible relative of Melittosphex burmensis
MarielleK posted a topic in Fossil ID
Hello all. So I recently obtained a new specimen in burmite amber from Mayanmar that I think is particularly interesting. It appears to be some species of early bee. This amber is thought to be from the Cretaceous period which is when bees evolved (in the later half) alongside flowering plants. I found an interesting article that describes one of the earliest bees Melittosphex burmensis. This insect had characteristics of both wasps and bees, and was covered in branched hairs, which is a key characteristic of pollen spreading bees. I researched this species and found that my specimen didn't look quite like the one described, but I believe may be a different species that evolved during that time. I have attached photos of my specimen as well as the article referenced and one other resource. The first photo is the dorsal view. The second photo shows hairs on the legs of the insect. Let me know what you guys think! link to article: https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2006/oct/research-discovers-oldest-bee-key-evolution-flowering-plants https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259887593_Morphology_Classification_and_Antiquity_of_Melittosphex_burmensis_Apoidea_Melittosphecidae_and_Implications_for_Early_Bee_Evolution