Beetles in Amber
Updated: Sep 2
Beetles in amber are among the most common insects found in amber, and therefore, among the most diverse as well. Their hard bodies preserve well. This page features the best beetles in amber we have found so far.
13) Beetle with large mandibles
Origin: Dominican Republic
Age: ~15–20 million years
Geologic Period: Miocene
This beetle has large clear mandibles, and a red glow from oxidation. Rare species.
12) Beetle farting in amber.
Origin: Dominican Republic
Age: ~15–20 million years
Geologic Period: Miocene
This beetle is leaving behind a suspicious trail of bubbles. [Shop Beetles in Amber Here]
11) Beetle with shiny shell.
Provenance: Dominican Amber, Palo Quemado
Origin: Dominican Republic
Age: ~15–20 million years
Geologic Period: Miocene
This beetle retained it's shells shine. Unusual beetle. [Shop Bracelets in Amber Here]
10) Beetle with large compound eyes.
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
This beetle displays large, compound eyes. Good for seeing in the daytime. Unusual species.
9) Beetle with clear shell.
Provenance: Dominican Amber, Palo Quemado
Origin: Dominican Republic
Age: ~15–20 million years
Geologic Period: Miocene
This beetle displays a very clear, smooth shell. Set in a woven bracelet.
8) Beetle in flight.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
This beetle has it's elytra (wing coverings) open, it's wings out, and a long antennae on display. It is rare to capture beetles in flight like this.
7) Beetle with wing coverings open.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
A beetle with it's wing coverings (elytra) open. This is rare. It also has clear biting mouthparts and beaded antennae.
6) Ommadidae beetle.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
This beetle has a rare "hole-punched" look to the outer rim of it's shell.
5) Beetle with parasitic mite biting the abdomen.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
Look closely at the beetles abdomen to see a tiny mite. [Shop Parasitism in Amber Here]
4) Beetle and moving enhydro in amber bubble.
Provenance: Dominican Amber, Palo Quemado
Origin: Dominican Republic
Age: ~15–20 million years
Geologic Period: Miocene
A very unusual piece, and the photos don't do it justice. It's a moving bubble and a beetle, in the same compartment. If there was any chance of life surviving in amber, this piece has it. [Shop Enhydros in Amber Here]
3) Beetle with large mandibles.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
Although the piece is only medium clarity under the microscope, the jaws are still very large and apparent. Rare species. [Shop Mouthparts in Amber Here]
2) Tumbling flower beetle.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
This beetle Appears to be laying eggs, or it's eggs fell into the amber. [Shop Eggs in Amber Here]
1) Rare beetle with large biting mouthparts.
Provenance: Burmese Amber (Myanmar)
Origin: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Age: ~98–100 million years
Geologic Period: Mid-Cretaceous
This beetle has perfectly displayed biting mouthparts. They look strong. Hairs are preserved well on this specimen.
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Sick! Looks like a tiger beetle :)