A beetle found preserved in amber provides the earliest known evidence of an intimate relationship between insects and a group of ancient evergreen plants called cycads.
The beetle, known as a boganiid, was identified by scientists led by Chenyang Cai from the University of Bristol in the UK. Originally found by Diying Huang from China’s Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, the insect had been trapped in tree sap in Myanmar for an estimated 99 million years.
As Cai carefully cleaned, trimmed and polished the lump of amber he realised that the beetle carried several small pollen grains. He showed them to Liqin Li from the Chinese Academy of Sciences who was able to identify them as coming from a cycad.
Cycads evolved around 300 million years ago – although some estimates suggest an even earlier beginning – and were once diverse and abundant around the globe. A few cycad species, such as Bowenia spectabilis, found in Australia’s northeastern Queensland region, survive today.
As a division, however, the plants are thought to have lost many members in the Jurassic and Late Triassic mass extinction events. They may also have been frequently out-competed by flowering plants, a group known as angiosperms.
The research is published in the journal Current Biology.
Originally published by Cosmos as A beetle trapped for 99 million years
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.