Scientists Discover 100-Million-Year-Old Fossil Tiny Creature Trapped in Amber with Claws Seen Only Four Times in Insects

A remarkable 100-million-year-old insect has been unearthed from a fossil trapped in amber in Myanmar, showcasing unusual crab-like claws on its front legs. Researchers from LMU Munich have identified this as a previously unknown species, which they have named Carcinonepa libererrantes.

The Kachin region of Myanmar is renowned for its amber, which preserves ancient life with remarkable detail. Over the years, scientists have discovered a wide range of insects, plants, and other creatures that provide valuable insights into the 100 million-year-old forests. The study published in Insects highlights that the area continues to yield new species, making it a treasure trove for understanding prehistoric ecosystems. One of the most striking discoveries is this true bug with front legs ending in chelae, claw-like pincers rarely seen in insects.

Unveiling the Bug’s Claws

Carolin Haug, the study’s author and zoologist, explained in a university statement that such claws had previously been documented in only three other insect groups, making this the fourth known case of independent evolution of these structures.

The study team, comprising researchers from the University of Rostock and the University of Oulu, utilized micro-computed tomography to obtain a full 3D view of the amber fossil. Their analysis revealed that the claws of C. libererrantes are distinct from those seen in other insects.

When comparing over 2,000 claw and grasping structures from living and extinct species, similar forms were predominantly found in crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. This demonstrates how evolution can “reinvent” the same tool in unrelated creatures.

A Name Inspired by K-Pop

Due to its unique claws, the fossil was assigned its own genus and species. The genus, Carcinonepa, combines “carcino-” (crab) with “nepa,” referencing true water bugs. Haug explained that the species trapped in amber was named in tribute to a K-pop group.

“The species name libererrantes is a Latinization of the highly successful K-pop group Stray Kids,” she explained. “The name seemed fitting because the posture of the fossil’s chelae strongly resembles the group’s trademark pose. Stray Kids, I should add, is the favorite band of one of the paper’s authors, Fenja Haug.”

Insights into a 100-Million-Year-Old Predator

Based on its preserved features, C. libererrantesbelongs to the true water bugs, Nepomorpha, closely related to modern Gelastocoridae, or toad bugs. Its claws were likely used for catching small insects, suggesting a predatory lifestyle similar to living relatives.

“The morphology of [the newly discovered bug] suggests that this species had a similar lifestyle,” said Haug. “We can imagine it living in a Cretaceous forest, probably near the coast.”

Its overall body structure indicates it probably inhabited terrestrial or near-coastal environments within Cretaceous forests. Haug adds that studying such fossils helps scientists understand how ancient insects interacted with their environment and reveals the incredible diversity that existed back then.

“Amber from the Kachin region of Myanmar has preserved a wealth of fossils offering insights into the diversity of the Cretaceous fauna of a 100 million-year-old forest ecosystem. The site continues to yield previously unknown species.”