Insects Coexisted with Dinosaurs in Southern Argentina 70 Million Years Ago
From 80 million years ago to 66 million years ago, fossil records of insects are incredibly scarce. However, a recent expedition in southern Argentina has unearthed microscopic remains of butterflies, mosquitoes, and other insects that coexisted with dinosaurs. This discovery is one of the few of its kind in the world.
The researchers were studying the ecosystem of the Cretaceous period in the province of Santa Cruz, where previous discoveries had been made. Their unexpected find was the first fossil evidence of insects in Patagonia, shortly before the last mass extinction.
“For the time interval we are working on, fossil insect remains are practically non-existent in this region,” said Fernando Novas, a renowned paleontologist leading the expedition. “Most records of South American insects from the end of the Cretaceous are based on indirect evidence, not physical remains.”
The team identified various insect groups, including butterfly larvae and wings, mosquito larvae heads and mandibles, mayfly larvae, and other unidentified arthropods. The remarkable preservation and diversity of the remains suggest a rich and diverse insect population in prehistoric Patagonia.
The discovery was purely accidental. Researchers were examining rock samples using a microscope when they noticed mandibles, heads, and other insect parts. This led to a systematic search, resulting in a large collection of fossilized insects.
The findings highlight the diverse ecosystem that existed alongside dinosaurs, including microscopic organisms like bacteria and viruses. The researchers emphasize the importance of studying the entire prehistoric biota, not just the most prominent species.