A Doubly Entombed Insect
Since it often occurs frequently on trees and is part of the natural decomposition process, various types of ancient fungi can be found in amber. Within this specimen of Baltic amber, a tableau is captured as it occurred ca 25 MYr ago. The head of a termite (at arrow) is all that remains visible as the insect is digested by the fungal shroud that enwraps it. Both were caught in liquid amber resin and then preserved. Details of the characteristic "bead on a string" appearance of the mycelial meshwork composing the fungus can be seen upon close inspection. Approx mag. x 8

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