Scientists discover new millipede fossils in 100-million-year-old amber

Scientists at the Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig - Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity (ZFMK) discovered more than 450 millipedes in 100-million-year-old Burmese amber. 13 of the 16 main groups of extant (now-living) millipedes could be identified in the amber with the help of micro-CT technology. For half of these groups the findings represent the oldest known fossils. Future studies of these amber millipedes will significantly contribute to our understanding of millipede evolution.

An especially well-preserved specimen of the Polyzoniida in Burmese amber from the Age of the Dinosaurs. A rare group with less than 100 known species, the Polyzoniida are especially diverse in Cretaceous amber. ©Thomas Wesener

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