Planthopper, extinct family Neazoniidae, in burmite amber

[LoneRanger]

This unusual planthopper nymph is 6 mm long, is an inclusion in Late Cretaceous burmite amber, and belongs to the extinct family Neazoniidae.  One of the characteristic features of Neazoniidae is a rostrum (piercing mouthpart) that is longer than its body.  Specimens of this family were first described in 2007 by Jacek Szwedo in Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber, followed by a 2009 paper on additional specimens in French Cretaceous amber.  First photo of the insect in my collection is a ventral view of the triangular head -- with globe-like eyes and filament-like antennae -- and the thorax.  The rostrum runs from the base of the head down the midline thorax.  Second photo is a ventral view of the abdomen, with the rostrum extending beyond the body.  Third photo is a side view, showing a remarkably flat body and a patch of plant debris stuck to a hind leg.  Final photo is a dorsal shot of the head and thorax  All these photos include views of hardened plates along the body known as sclerites or tergites.  More information on Cretaceous Neazoniidae in Lebanese and French amber can be found through a google search.

[Darktooth]

That is really nice. How big is the piece of Amber that this bug is in?

[Tidgy's Dad]

10 minutes ago, Darktooth said:

That is really nice. How big is the piece of Amber that this bus is in?

Bus? 

Pretty big piece of amber, I'd say. 

Tis a beautiful and unusual specimen. 

[Darktooth]

15 minutes ago, Tidgy's Dad said:

Bus? 

Pretty big piece of amber, I'd say. 

Tis a beautiful and unusual specimen. 

I have no idea what you are talking about Adam? I was talking about a bug.

[Tidgy's Dad]

11 minutes ago, Darktooth said:

I have no idea what you are talking about Adam? I was talking about a bug.

Ah, my mistake! 

[LoneRanger]

The insect is 6 mm in length and the amber piece is actually small relative to the insect size.  In Myanmar, the amber was cut into a cabochon shape, probably meant to be used in a ring.