Dominican Amber Diptera Duo and Web

Description: This piece preserves a pair of diverse members of the diptera. Although the term Diptera means two-winged, they actually have two pairs. The second pair are vestigial and are known as halters. The act to counterbalance the stroke of the main pair to keep the insect in level flight much like a gyroscope in function. The larger inclusion is a black scavenger fly. These flies are true to their name, feeding on decaying organic matter, particularly excrement. The other is simply known as a primitive fly. While I think it is a member of the Nematocera, I am unwilling to try to key it. The final inclusion is quite uncommon: preserved strands of spiderweb, making this a fine example of the rainforest of the ancient Dominican Republic.