Rare Acari Arachnid Arthropod Preserved in Burmese Amber with Air Bubbles from the Dinosaur Era (Ethically Collected in the 2010s)

Acari, a group includes modern-day mites and ticks, are a diverse group of arachnids that belong to the subclass Acari within the class Arachnida. They are characterized by their small size and vast ecological diversity, occurring in nearly every habitat on Earth, from soil and water to plants and animal hosts. Acari includes both free-living species, which play key roles in decomposition and soil health, and parasitic species, some of which are significant vectors of diseases. Their morphological and functional adaptations contribute to their success as one of the most widespread and abundant arthropod groups globally.

The evolutionary history of Acari dates back to the early Devonian period, approximately 400 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests that mites were among the first arthropods to colonize terrestrial ecosystems, adapting to diverse environments over time. Their ancient origin and evolutionary adaptability have allowed them to persist and diversify into the vast array of species we see today.

This specimen contains air bubbles that encapsulate the Earth’s ancient atmosphere from the Cretaceous period within its golden resin. By analyzing the chemical properties of the gases preserved within these bubbles, researchers can study the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere during the age of dinosaurs.

All amber photos are captured under magnification to showcase their finest details. Please note that amber is best examined under a microscope. Each piece comes with a display stand, a species identification label, and a high-quality printed image. A digital photo can also be sent via email upon request.