Damselfly. Specimen held in the Natural History Museum Paleontology Department

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Damselfly. Specimen held in the Natural History Museum Paleontology Department

Specimen held in the Natural History Museum Paleontology Department. This specimen is 34 million years old, and was found in Florissant, Colorado. This species is now extinct. Photographed by Paul Selden

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Media ID 14237996

© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum

Arthropod Arthropoda Colorado Damsel Damselfly Fossil Fossilised Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta North America Odonata Palaeontological Palaeontology Paleo Paleontology Selden Specimen Studioshot United States United States Of America Wing Invertebrata Zygoptera

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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Glimpse into the Past: A 34-Million-Year-Old Damselfly Fossil from Florissant, Colorado" This photograph showcases a remarkable find from the Natural History Museum's Paleontology Department: a 34-million-year-old damselfly specimen. Discovered in Florissant, Colorado, this ancient arthropod is now extinct, offering a unique window into the rich biosphere of the distant past. The intricately detailed damselfly, captured by renowned photographer Paul Selden, is an exquisite example of the Zygoptera order, known as the "tailed damselflies." Its delicate wings, intricately veined and preserved to perfection, reveal the complex patterns that once graced the skies of North America during the Eocene epoch. As an invertebrate belonging to the class Insecta and the phylum Arthropoda, this hexapod is a testament to the incredible diversity and resilience of life on Earth. The damselfly's hexagonal body, elongated abdomen, and two pairs of wings are all evident in this stunning studio shot. The study of this fossilized damselfly contributes significantly to our understanding of the evolution of the Odonata order and the broader history of life on Earth. Its preservation in the Natural History Museum's collection is a testament to the importance of palaeontology in uncovering the intricacies of our planet's natural history. Paul Selden's photograph masterfully highlights the delicate beauty of this ancient creature, inviting us to marvel at the intricacies of life that have come before us. This image is a poignant reminder of the rich history that lies hidden beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered and appreciated.

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