A remarkable discovery has been made in Germany: a 47-million-year-old cicada fossil, named Eoplatypleura messelensis, has been unearthed, offering unprecedented insights into insect evolution. This fossil, found in the Messel Pit—a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Frankfurt—is the first of its kind discovered at this location and represents one of the oldest known true cicadas in Eurasia.
Unveiling Eoplatypleura messelensis: A Glimpse into the Eocene Epoch
The fossilized cicada, measuring approximately 2.65 cm in body length with a wingspan of 6.82 cm, is exceptionally well-preserved. Its intricate wing patterns and visible veins provide scientists with detailed information about its morphology and potential behavior. The preservation is so meticulous that even the veins in its wings are clearly visible, a rarity in insect fossils .
Dr. Hui Jiang, the lead author of the study published in Scientific Reports, notes that these wing patterns are similar to those of modern cicadas in the Platypleurini group, suggesting that the coloration may have served as camouflage in the subtropical vegetation of the Messel area during the Eocene epoch .
Significance in the Evolutionary Timeline
This discovery significantly pushes back the known fossil record of sound-producing cicadas in the Platypleurini tribe by approximately 20 million years. Previously, it was believed that this group evolved in Africa around 25 to 30 million years ago. The presence of Eoplatypleura messelensis in Europe indicates that the diversification of this group occurred much earlier than previously recognized .
Dr. Sonja Wedmann from the Senckenberg Research Institute emphasizes the importance of this find, stating that it closes an important gap in the fossil record and provides new insights into the development and expansion of the Cicadidae family in Europe during the Cenozoic era .
The Messel Pit: A Treasure Trove of Fossils
The Messel Pit is renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation, offering a window into life approximately 47 million years ago. The discovery of Eoplatypleura messelensis adds to the site’s significance, providing valuable information on the origins of today’s insect diversity .
Conclusion
The unearthing of Eoplatypleura messelensis not only enriches our understanding of cicada evolution but also highlights the importance of fossil records in studying the biodiversity of ancient ecosystems. As researchers continue to explore the Messel Pit, further discoveries may shed light on the complex history of insect development during the Eocene epoch.BBC
