Oldest bee

20 October 2007 5 Comments Home » Insects etc., Science

The oldest known bee, 100 million years old, has been found in amber by biologists at Oregon State University. It has some wasp characteristics, which supports the theory that bees evolved from wasps.

I’ve seen some amazing animals preserved in amber. Does anybody out there collect amber?

See bees in flight.

Oldest bee
(Image copyright: Science)

5 Comments »

  • William K. said:

    I have a piece of amber with an ant in it. It’s pretty small and hard to see details. I have collected a few fossils.

    # 20 October 2007 at 1:10 pm
  • Denice said:

    I love amber. It’s so interesting to look at, to hold, to wear. It’s warm rich color is beautiful, and bugs it it are a delightful bonus!

    # 20 October 2007 at 9:01 pm
  • Strangefeather said:

    Why does amber act as a preserving material? (I realize this is slightly off-topic, but anyway.)

    # 21 October 2007 at 5:59 am
  • Rick said:

    The ant in amber sounds interesting, Bill. I’ve always wanted to do a series of photographs of creatures in amber, but haven’t had the time and access to the amber.

    I think I like amber best when it has entombed plants and animals.

    How it works: Amber is fossilized resin from ancient trees, and preserves plants and animals by sealing them off from the destructive effects of air, so normal decay processes can’t take place.

    # 21 October 2007 at 8:38 am
  • William K. said:

    Basically, amber is tree sap (think sticky pine sap) that spills on some unlucky insects. I once saw a tiny lizard in amber. I have also seen photos of feathers caught in amber.

    # 23 October 2007 at 1:40 pm

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