Exceptional Solnhofen Fossil Wasp

Myrmicium elegans

Order Hymenoptera, Family Myrmiciidae

Geological Time: Late Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossil is 58 mm overall with 21 mm antennae and 25 mm wings on a 100 mm by 125 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone, Eichstatt, Germany

Fossil Code: GF110

Price: $465.00


Solnhofen Fossil Wasp Insect Fossil Myrmicium elegans GermanyDescription: This is a fine wood wasp known as Myrmicium elegans. It was originally assigned to the genus Pseudosirex, and is one of two species known from Solnhofen. While the exquisitely-preserved vertebrates such as the iconic Archaeopteryx most frequently come to mind, there are many well preserved specimens to be found preserved in the fine lithographic limestone as this specimen attest. Given the lack of an ovipositor, which a female would have used to deposit eggs in beetle larvae much as do the modern Ichneumonids, this one is most likely a male. The detail is astonishing; a slight tinting has brought out details that would be difficult to discern, such as the venation in the wings.

Fossil Insect Purchase Information

click fossil insect pictures to enlarge

Myrmicium elegans
Myrmicium elegans wasp
Insect Fossils
 
 

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