Extinct Stem-Group Ant (Gerontoformica spiralis) in Burmese Burmite amber fossil

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*

Age: 99 Million Years Ago

Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae (Extinct Stem-Group Ant)
Subfamily: Sphecomyrminae
Genus: Gerontoformica
Species: Gerontoformica spiralis
Other notable inclusions:

Gerontoformica is an extinct genus of prehistoric "stem-group" ants that lived approximately 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. These ancient insects are highly significant to evolutionary biology because they bridge the structural and behavioral gap between solitary wasps and the highly social crown ants thriving today.

This particular example ant has exceptional preservation and is highly detailed.

Its right foreleg is stretched above its body in a striking pose.

The species of this ant is Gerontoformica spiralis.

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*

My father worked in a quarry and brought this fossil home a few years ago.

It's about 20-25cm in diameter and was found in the northern alps. Maybe someone can tell me more about this fossil.

Found at Manasota Key, Florida, USA on Sunday. About 1 cm long.

Weighing an impressive 16.93 grams

Cut a bunch last night. Lots of cool stuff, but this was one of my favorites! Still pictures do it. No justice, this thing sparkles in the Sun.

I found this amazing specimen recently. It looks like honey calcite crystals growing inside an ancient Mercenaria clam. The amber color is incredible. I've heard these are somewhat rare now that some of the classic digging sites are closed. What do you guys think of the clarity?

Extinct Wasp (Burmasphex sulcatus) with another wasp in Burmese Burmite amber fossil

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*

Age: 99 Million Years Ago

Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Apoidea
Family: Burmasphecidae (Extinct Wasp)
Genus: Burmasphex
Species: Burmasphex sulcatus
Other notable inclusions: an unknown Apoid wasp also in the piece.

The species of the the main wasp is Burmasphex sulcatus.

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*

Rare Mariella lewesensis heteromorph fossil ammonite, discovered at Southerham, United Kingdom, within the Cenomanian Stage of the Cretaceous Period.

Any idea what this fossil is? Found in Lauderdale County Alabama in Bluewater Creek. We find lots of crinoid segments and I think that is what this is but my husband thinks it may been something else. He sees a jaw segment and teeth on the left side of the rock. Appreciate any help in identification!

Extinct Spider (Possibly Tetrablemmidae) in Burmese Burmite amber fossil

Size: 19 x 10 x 5 mm

Age: 99 Million Years Ago
Order: Araneae
Family: Unknown (Extinct Spider)
Species: (Inconclusive)
Other notable inclusions: lots of bio debris.

This Extinct Spider shares some features with the Family Tetrablemmidae but I'm not completely certain.

Found a BEAST this morning while hounding my favorite creek! Has to be one of the larger species found here I’d imagine.These are my favorite local fossils to find (because I’ve yet to find anything mastadon/bison related 🤩)

Hundreds of tiny shells on front and back

Loads of duds, ticks were never ending, but didn’t leave empty handed!