Theridiidae (Spider) in Baltic Amber – 7.00mm Fossil Inclusion

Specifications

• Specimens: Theridiidae (Spider)
• Amber Size: 7.00 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 features a Theridiidae (spider) inclusion preserved within genuine Baltic Amber, formed during the Eocene Epoch (~44–49 Ma). Theridiid spiders are part of the order Araneae and include an extensive group of web-building species, some of which persist in nearly identical forms today. Their fossil record provides valuable insight into the stability and evolution of spider lineages across tens of millions of years.

Baltic amber from the Juodkrantė region is renowned for its exceptional ability to capture fine arachnid details. Even tiny spiders like this one can preserve intricate morphological structures such as tarsal claws, setae (hair-like structures), and abdominal segmentation. These features make Theridiidae inclusions scientifically useful for understanding Eocene forest ecosystems, web-building evolution, and predator-prey relationships.

The 7.00 mm amber piece displays classic succinite characteristics: warm amber coloration, high clarity, and excellent light transmission. When examined under magnification, key anatomical traits of the spider — including leg segmentation, pedipalps, and body proportions — may be visible, highlighting the exceptional fidelity of amber fossilization.

As ancient resin flowed through Eocene conifer forests, small arthropods like spiders became trapped and rapidly sealed from decay. This natural entombment process preserved even delicate tissues for millions of years, creating invaluable biological snapshots for modern researchers.

This specimen is 100% natural, untreated, and scientifically significant, and is housed in a labeled display case ideal for study or long-term curation.