Discovering the Past: Scientists Uncover 47-Million-Year-Old Cicada Fossil with Stunningly Preserved Wings

An ancient cicada fossil, about an inch long with a wingspan of 2.7 inches, has captured scientists’ attention. Discovered in Germany, this fossil is notable for its well-preserved wing veins. It belongs to a group known as "true" singing cicadas, which still thrive in warm regions today.

The fossil was found in the Messel Pit, a famous site for fossils dating back around 47 million years. Researchers from the University of Bonn, led by Dr. Hui Jiang, were amazed by the fossil’s nearly intact structure, revealing details rarely seen in such old specimens.

Finding the Fossil

Dr. Jiang’s team carefully examined rock layers in the Messel Pit. The low oxygen levels in this ancient volcanic lake allowed the delicate features of insects, like the cicada’s wings, to be preserved. Before this discovery, the oldest known cicadas were from other regions, making this find significant for understanding their evolutionary history.

New Insights into Evolution

The cicada fossil, named Eoplatypleura messelensis, offers insights into how cicadas were once distributed. Previously believed to be confined to Africa and Asia, this fossil indicates that such cicadas thrived in ancient Europe, challenging existing ideas about their migration.

Dr. Labandeira from the Smithsonian noted that findings like this help refine our understanding of cicada evolution, especially when determining how and when key traits developed. For instance, the fossil suggests that ancient cicadas likely produced sounds using specialized structures called tymbals, which still help modern cicadas create loud calls.

Modern-Day Relatives

Today’s cicadas can be incredibly loud. The African species Brevisana brevis can reach volumes of around 107 decibels—similar to the sound of a jet taking off. In the east of the U.S., periodical cicadas reach 90 to 100 decibels, comparable to the roar of a subway train.

Cicada enthusiasts eagerly await the emergence of Brood XIV next year, which appears every 17 years in massive numbers. This event draws crowds and excitement, similar to what ancient cicadas may have experienced in their time.

Climate Connections

The fossil also raises questions about shifting environments and how cicadas adapted over time. As Earth’s climate cooled after the Eocene, many species—including ancient cicadas—changed their habitats or faced extinction. Today, most of the Platypleurini tribe is found in tropical areas, marking a stark contrast to the diverse cicada populations that once thrived in Europe.

Understanding these shifts helps reveal how species survive and adapt throughout geological history. As researchers continue to study the Messel Pit, they hope to uncover more fossils, providing crucial links in the cicada family tree.

This fascinating find not only enhances our knowledge of cicadas but also invites us to ponder the impact of climate changes on biodiversity through history. For further insights, you can read more from the Scientific Reports.

Source link