Dominican Amber Odd Couple

Description: This amber piece displays an uncommon assocaiation of inclusions in Dominican amber: A Planthopper and a Bristletail. It is a member of the Fulgoridae (Fulgoromorpha), which have some of the largest extant planthoppers. Note the color preservation in the wings, making this a most desirable addition to any collection. The larger inclusion is a bristletail. The Bristletails are members of the Thysanura, a member of the Sub-Class Apterygota, or wingless insects. They are thought to be the most primitive of insects, and may never have had wings throughout their evolutionary history. The Thysanura carry three appendages, the two cerci which flank the central epiproct. These processes are fringed with bristles that are the source of the common name.