Cretaceous Cockroach Fossil in Flight Pose

Description: This fine example shows a cockroach with its wings extended, frozen in its last flight for the past 125 million years. The deposits from which it comes are home to many exquisitely-preserved specimens, some exceptionally 3-D in nature. Such delicate items as the paper-thin wing bones of Pterosaurs have been found, testimony to the type of preservation that can be seen. This preservation is evident here as well, in the cerci extending from the rear of the abdomen and the delicate venation of the wings. Little material from this treasure trove ever becomes available.