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Amber Encyclopedia Entry #10: Dominican Amber Wasp with Enhydro Bubbles

Updated: Aug 7

This Dominican amber specimen contains a fossilized wasp and two enhydro bubbles — sealed in golden resin for over 15 million years. A striking combination of insect and fluid inclusion, this piece showcases the beauty and scientific value of Miocene-era amber.


Dominican amber is famous for its clarity, vibrant fluorescence, and natural inclusions — but this piece brings two rare features together: a fossilized wasp and multiple enhydro bubbles, preserved side by side.

This polished specimen from the Miocene epoch, estimated at 15 to 20 million years old, captures both ancient life and ancient water in one piece of natural time capsule. It is a museum-grade example of how Dominican amber can preserve dynamic interactions between organisms and their environment.


What Is an Enhydro Inclusion?

Enhydros are trapped air or water bubbles within amber. These fluid inclusions form when moisture or vapor becomes sealed in the resin before it hardens. Unlike insect inclusions, enhydros are dynamic — some move when the amber is tilted, adding visual intrigue and scientific value.

The two enhydro bubbles in this specimen hover near the wasp, creating a striking composition that highlights both biological and geological preservation.


Dominican amber specimen with fossilized wasp and two enhydro bubbles, preserved in golden translucent resin.
Dominican amber specimen with fossilized wasp and two enhydro bubbles, preserved in golden translucent resin.
Under UV light, Dominican amber fluoresces blue-green, revealing the position of the wasp and the shape of the enhydro bubbles with dramatic contrast.
Under UV light, Dominican amber fluoresces blue-green, revealing the position of the wasp and the shape of the enhydro bubbles with dramatic contrast.
Side-lit Dominican amber highlighting the wasp’s fine leg and wing details next to curved enhydro bubbles.
Side-lit Dominican amber highlighting the wasp’s fine leg and wing details next to curved enhydro bubbles.
Under UV light, Macro view of wasp inclusion floating in amber with clearly visible eyes, wings, and bubble proximity.
Under UV light, Macro view of wasp inclusion floating in amber with clearly visible eyes, wings, and bubble proximity.

  • Inclusions: Fossilized wasp + two enhydro bubbles

  • Preservation: Clear body with segmented legs, wings, and antennae visible; enhydros are well-formed and refractive

  • Amber Type: Dominican amber

  • Age: Miocene epoch (~15–20 million years)

  • Locality: Cordillera Septentrional, Dominican Republic

  • Scientific Insight: This pairing allows researchers to examine insect morphology alongside amber’s role in trapping environmental moisture — a dual record of prehistoric life and atmosphere


Why Dominican Amber?

Dominican amber is one of the clearest ambers in the world, making it ideal for viewing inclusions in vivid detail. It fluoresces under UV light and often forms in shapes with natural polish. This amber is mined from fossil-rich layers of the Cordillera Septentrional and is known for:

  • Exceptional insect preservation

  • Common presence of enhydro bubbles

  • Light coloration and UV response

Its younger age compared to Cretaceous amber makes it ideal for studying more modern insect lineages, including early bees, ants, and wasps.


Video showing a fossilized wasp preserved alongside enhydro bubbles in Dominican amber, under both natural and UV light.

Where to Buy Fossils Like This

You can find Dominican amber with insect inclusions, enhydros, and unique combinations like this one at:


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