Chironomidae (Midges) in Baltic Amber – 11.9mm Fossil Inclusion

Specifications

• Specimens: Chironomidae (Midges)
• Amber Size: 11.9 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 one or more Chironomidae (non-biting midges) preserved within genuine Baltic Amber dating to the Eocene Epoch (~44–49 Ma). Chironomids belong to a diverse and ecologically important family within Diptera, commonly associated with moist forest floors, aquatic environments, and areas with abundant decaying vegetation.

Baltic Amber from the Juodkrantė locality is renowned for its exceptional preservation of delicate arthropods, making it invaluable for research in paleoecology, evolutionary biology, and insect diversity through time. Midges are particularly significant indicators of past environmental conditions, as their presence often signals proximity to freshwater sources or humid, resin-rich forest settings.

The 11.9 mm amber piece displays classic succinite features: warm honey-orange coloration, strong light transmission, and high surface luster. Under magnification, fine anatomical features — including slender legs, antennae, and wing venation — can be observed, showcasing the extraordinary preservation quality characteristic of Baltic amber inclusions.

Baltic amber formed when resin from prehistoric conifer forests flowed over insects and hardened rapidly, sealing them from oxygen and halting decomposition. This process created unparalleled fossil windows into ancient ecosystems, and midges such as these provide critical data on Eocene climatic conditions and biodiversity.

This specimen is fully natural, unaltered, and scientifically significant, housed in a labeled display case suitable for research, display, or long-term curation.