Amber Trophy Insect Diptera Tipulidae (Cranefly)

This amber contains a spectacular trophy insect, a Dipteran of the family Tiplidea, affectionately known as a crane fly owing to the unbelievably long legs (one straight leg measures more than an inch). The Tipula that measures 9 mm from head to end of abdomen sports a 25 mm (about 1 inch) wing span, and legs that essentially fill the piece. Other insects share the Tipula grave, notably a fine cockroach nymph, a mosquito (not very common) very near the Tipula, an ant (Order: Hymenoptera), and another Dipteran. This specimen could be a trophy for an amber collection, or, at 34 by 29 mm, would make an incredible pendant worthy of a jeweler's time.