Extinct invertebrates caught in a 40 million year old sex act

Cory Doctorow 3:33 am Tue Mar 8, 2011

University of Michigan Museum of Zoology researchers Pavel Klimov and Ekaterina Sidorchuk captured this image of a pair of extinct mites who were trapped in amber in the midst of getting it on. Their results were published in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.

Mite sex is probably more complex and interesting than you might imagine for speck-sized creatures. In many present day mite species, males coerce females to mate. The males fight off other potential suitors, and guard females before and after mating. If a partner isn't in the mood, too bad. Male harassment of females is common.

Female Glaesacarus rhombeus mites, however, evolved a pad-like projection on the rear end. This enabled them to cling to males and direct the mating process. Males of this species lacked the handy "butt grabbing" structure.

40-Million-Year-Old Sex Act Captured in Amber

(via Making Light)

(Image: Ekaterina Sidorchuk)

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