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Name:
True Midge and Parasitic Tick
Age: Eocene
Formation: Amber Deposits
Location: Baltic Coast, Russia
Size: Amber piece is 0.8 inches long
This is a very rare inclusion in amber. It is a True Midge (Chironomidae) being attacked by a Tick. Sometimes, parasites infest insects, just like humans. Ticks occasionally 'ride piggyback' on flies, all the while sucking out their life's blood. This is one of those rare specimens. Although the photo is not sharply focused, under a microscope you can easily see the Tick attached to the Midge. This is an extremely collectible example of unwanted parasitic behaviour in the ancient insect world (large close-up photo is included for free).
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