A newly described fossil from Myanmar reveals a firefly relative with remarkably elaborate antennae, preserved in 99-million-year-old amber. The specimen, named Flammarionella hehaikuni, belongs to the family Lampyridae and is described in a study published in Zootaxa in August 2024.
The fossil shows a male firefly with unique branched (flabellate) antennae, a feature not seen in any other known firefly, living or extinct. The researchers suggest these antennae may have been used to detect pheromones from females, indicating a complex mating system in the Cretaceous period.
The amber was sourced from the Hukawng Valley in Kachin State, Myanmar, a region known for yielding diverse insect fossils. The study highlights the evolutionary history of fireflies and their sensory adaptations over millions of years.
This discovery adds to our understanding of ancient insect communication and the diversity of bioluminescent beetles. The fossil is now housed in a museum collection, providing a valuable reference for future research.
