Green River Formation Larva?

[Mochaccino]

Hello all,

 

Need help ID this insect larva from the Eocene Green River Formation of Colorado. It's 1.5cm long, about 2cm if outstretched. As far as I can tell it has a series of large, bulbous protrusions spiraling along the length of its body, and one end has a sharp taper/point, though I'm not sure if that's the head or tail end. It has a very distinctive look so I feel like it would be recognizable if it's something that's been described before. Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[Crusty_Crab]

This looks more flora than fauna to me. The reason why is that it sure looks like it has bulbous structures radiating out suggesting radial symmetry. That would rule out insects for me. My first thought was that this is some sort of pistil with the stamens attached to the style, such as those in the family Malvaceae. 

[jpc]

I think it is plant as well.  Something like a catkin.

[Mochaccino]

1 hour ago, Crusty_Crab said:

This looks more flora than fauna to me. The reason why is that it sure looks like it has bulbous structures radiating out suggesting radial symmetry. That would rule out insects for me. My first thought was that this is some sort of pistil with the stamens attached to the style, such as those in the family Malvaceae. 

 

34 minutes ago, jpc said:

I think it is plant as well.  Something like a catkin.

 

I think you may be right, the appearance does resembles some other flower catkins from the Green River Formation I can find online, with the spiral of "balls" along a central stalk. So not a larva at all, no wonder the seller couldn't even narrow it down to Order. Thank you.

Edited June 15, 2022 by Mochaccino

[RJB]

  I can certainly see how someone could see insect in this but I'm also for plant.

 

RB

[piranha]

A Green River paleobotany specialist has replied:

 

"Equisetum strobilus that has snapped off from the top of a stem. They are pretty rare."

[Mochaccino]

20 minutes ago, piranha said:

A Green River paleobotany specialist has replied:

 

"Equisetum strobilus that has snapped off from the top of a stem. They are pretty rare."

Thank you very much for the info and specialist ID. I can certainly see the resemblance:

 

So not a bizzarrely-shaped insect larva, but I'm happy nonetheless to find that it's a pretty rare plant fossil.