Description
A rare fossil indeed.
These fossils or should I say Trace Fossils show that life then is nearly the same as life today.
This Insect cocoon fossil is a very rare trace fossil. Trace fossils are the evidence of prehistoric life and not the actual creature. And these fossils are created when insect larvae create a protective chamber of silk, soil or sand. Because this cocoon was made of silk the details are clearly seen.
Insect traces such as this are often composed of sand or gravel or some other type of organic matter. In the case of this insect cocoon it was a material such as silk. these reinforced chambers give protection to the developing insect. The chambers are often reinforced with larvae secretions making them resistant to decay also allowing for them to retain consistency for fossil preservation.
Insect Cocoon fossils such as this one are often found in sedimentary deposits, sometimes near fossilized remains.
This one is 1 1/4 inch long by 1/2 inch wide and is presented in this glass topped leatherette collectors case for protection. The cocoon itself is permineralized no organic matter remains.
