Propygolampis Phasmida Insect Fossil from Solnhofen Lagerstatte

Description: This is a fine example of a large insect from the lithographic limestone deposits of Solnhofen, Germany, known as Propygolampis bronni. It was previously known as Chresmoda obscura, but that name was found to be preoccupied by a short-horned grasshopper. Although it looks much like a modern-day water-strider (Hemiptera: Gerridae), its closet relatives are the stick insects. It is presumed to have made it’s living as the water striders do, skating across the surface of the water, preying on other insects that it came across. The first two legs are typically preserved extended forward as seen here. This excellent positive example is found on a large limestone plate commensurate with its size. These 150 million year old deposits are famous for their exceptionally well-preserved organisms, the most famous of which are the handful of specimens of the ancient bird Archaeopteryx. Crustaceans, Insects, Fish, and others are also preserved with fine detail.