Baltic Amber Long-Legged Fly with Extruded Egg

Description: This amber piece displays a fine member of the Diptera. 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. This inclusion is a member of the Family Dolichopodidae, or long-legged flies, and is seen in association with an extruded egg. Sometimes I have seen insects in the throes of death lay eggs, seemingly in a last-ditch effort to reproduce. Sadly for the fly but fortunately for us this one was captured for all eternity in its imprisoning amber tomb.