Assassin Fly: Figure 2D - Female Spines

Courtesy of David Grimaldi
April 21, 2014
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Assassin fly, female spines
Courtesy of David Grimaldi

The female B. bruckschi contained small spines on its abdomen, leading researchers to hypothesize that these insects are most closely related to other assassin fly species that use these spines to dig and deposit their eggs in sandy environments. National Museum of Natural History scientist Torsten Dikow discovered and named a new 100 million year old species of assassin fly, Burmapogon bruckschi, after studying the first two specimens ever preserved in Burmese amber. (Courtesy of David Grimaldi)