Forever in amber: special exhibition in Jena
Ancient bees, moths and other insects trapped in amber are the stars of a new special exhibition at the Jena Phyletic Museum. The tiny creatures fossilized in prehistoric tree resin are hundreds or even millions of years old, the University of Jena announced on Monday. The show "Electrum Mundi - Amber Worlds" can be seen from November 9th.
The exhibition is the result of research carried out by three young scientists who took a close look at the museum's amber collection of around 160 pieces. Among other things, the team found bees, beetles, ants and prehistoric termites. To explore the finds as accurately as possible, the scientists used modern technology and researchers with specialist knowledge of certain insect species.
Special 3D images revealed astonishing details of the tiny creatures trapped in the resin. Among other things, a new species of spiny beetle was discovered in 40-million-year-old amber. The research team also found a previously unknown species of dust louse. This is to be named after the long-time curator of the Phyletic Museum Dietrich v. Knorre. The scientists were also allowed to examine amber from the collection of poet and researcher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe following an agreement with the Klassik Stiftung Weimar.
Originals are on display at the show, as well as special oversized animal models created using 3D printers.
Source: www.dpa.com
