Fossilized moth in mud-stone

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Fossilized moth in mud-stone

Fossil moth. A fossilized moth preserved in mud- stone. Fossilization occurs when an organism is buried and its body structures are slowly replaced by minerals. Sometimes, in the absence of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water in the organisms tissues are liberated until only free carbon remains. This leaves a dark outline or impression of the organism (as seen here). Insects made their first appearance in geological history in the Devonian period, between 395 and 345 million years ago. The earliest examples of the order Lepidoptera, the butterflies and moths, date from the Cretaceous period, 100-130 million years ago. Photographed in British Columbia, Canada

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Media ID 6371487

© KAJ R. SVENSSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Fossil Fossil Invertebrate Fossils Moth Rock Stone Mud Stone Palaeontology

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the incredible preservation of a fossilized moth in mud-stone. Fossilization is a remarkable process where an organism's body structures are gradually replaced by minerals after being buried. In this case, the absence of oxygen allowed carbon dioxide and water within the moth's tissues to be released until only free carbon remained. This resulted in a dark outline or impression of the delicate insect, beautifully captured in this photograph. Insects have played a significant role in Earth's history, and their presence can be traced back to the Devonian period, which occurred between 395 and 345 million years ago. However, it was during the Cretaceous period, approximately 100-130 million years ago when butterflies and moths first emerged as part of the Lepidoptera order. The location where this extraordinary find was photographed is British Columbia, Canada. The intricate details preserved within this ancient mud-stone provide valuable insights into our planet's past and offer scientists an opportunity to study these fascinating creatures from millions of years ago. This image serves as a testament to both nature's ability to preserve life forms over vast periods and humanity's unwavering curiosity about our planet's history. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant organisms like moths hold immense scientific value when they become trapped in time through fossilization.

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