Amphipod - Chiapas
Amphipods have been discovered in Chiapas amber from the lower Miocene epoch (around
23 million years ago), including new species like the blind, terrestrial Caecorchestia bous fieldi and the transitional Transitroides morsei. The presence of both terrestrial and estuarine amphipods suggests that the resin trapped them in a coastal flood plain environment where brackish, freshwater, and terrestrial life coexisted.
This is amber from Mexico, Chiapas, the Campo la Granja mine.
Crustaceans are rarely preserved in amber, owing to their aquatic nature. They are rare
This particular piece is about 50mm x 40mm x 6 mm in size. There are many Amphipods inside it. Even with this, there are other things that just jump out at you. For instance, there is a few areas that look like a spider web was drawn though the resin (it is not a spider web, I think). Some areas that look like sand - even a flower. there is what appears to be a curled leaf and just more. The longer you look at it the more you see.
This is a VERY rare piece of history - even possibly a good scientific paper. Enjoy!
