Baltic Amber Fungus Gnat

Description: This amber piece displays a member of the Diptera.This one is a fungus gnat of the family Mycetophilidae. The fungus gnats are typically found in the presence of decaying vegetation or fungi. The term Diptera means “two-winged” and is actually a misnomer. Most members have a second, vestigial pair of wings that are mere knobs which are used as a “gyroscope” to keep the insect level in flight.