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EXTINCTIONS CHOICE - Parasitic Mite on a Midge
Stock Number  ACBBM901
EXTINCTIONS Choice

Name:   Parasitic Mite on a Biting Midge
Age:  Eocene
Formation:  Amber Deposits
Location:  Baltic Coast, Russia
Size:  Amber Piece is 0.7 inches long
Price:  $199.00



This fossil is a very rare glimpse into ancient Parasitic behaviour. This is a large Biting Midge giving a ride to a Parasitic Mite (Acari). This activity was all captured in this chunk of Baltic Amber. You can easily see the phoretic Mite attached to the back of the Midge. The Mite would then feed on the life juices of the host fly - note how there is already a hole ripped in the wing of the Midge! This is an uncommon occurrence in the fossil record, and an example this dramatic is extremely rare. This is a textbook example of parasitic behaviour that is 50 Million Years Old .

A Certificate of Authenticity from EXTINCTIONS is included with this specimen.


Close Up Photos • Close Up