Chalcidoidea or Formicidae in Baltic Amber – 14.9mm Fossil Inclusion

Specifications

• Specimens: Chalcidoidea or a Formicidae
• Amber Size: 14.9 mm
• Age: Eocene Epoch (44–49 million years old)
• Locality: Juodkrantė, Lithuania
• Geological Material: Baltic Amber
• Display: Labeled case included
• Condition: Natural, no enhancements

This specimen contains an insect inclusion identified as either Chalcidoidea (superfamily of parasitic wasps) or Formicidae (ants), preserved within genuine Baltic Amber from the Eocene Epoch (~44–49 Ma). Both groups are taxonomically important and diverse, with deep evolutionary histories that make their fossil record particularly valuable.

If the specimen is Chalcidoidea, it represents one of the most species-rich groups of parasitoid wasps on Earth. These insects parasitize the eggs, larvae, or pupae of other arthropods, making them essential components of ancient food webs. Fossil chalcidoids are scientifically significant due to their minute size and delicate structures, which are rarely preserved outside amber.

If the specimen is Formicidae, it may reflect an early ant lineage during a time of major diversification within ants in the early Cenozoic. Baltic Amber is known for preserving numerous primitive ant groups, including key genera used to study ant evolution, social behavior origins, and Eocene biodiversity.

The 14.9 mm amber piece displays classic succinite properties—warm yellow-orange coloration, smooth luster, and strong translucency. Under magnification, diagnostic features such as antenna segmentation, body shape, and wing presence or absence may help distinguish its identity. Regardless of classification, inclusions of this size and clarity provide meaningful insights into Eocene forest ecosystems.

Baltic amber formed when resin from ancient conifers trapped insects and hardened rapidly, halting decay and preserving even microscopic features. Today, specimens like this are invaluable for collectors, educators, and researchers studying evolutionary relationships and paleoecology.

This fossil remains natural, unaltered, and scientifically significant, and is presented in a labeled display case suitable for research or display.