New beetle species named after band Twenty One Pilots found in ancient amber
Researchers in Spain and France have described a new puppet beetle species trapped in 53-million-year-old amber from northern France.
Ancient fossil reveals early Eocene life
The specimen was preserved in Oise amber located near Le Quesnoy and Creil. This deposit dates to the early Eocene period roughly 53 million years ago. It represents the first formally described puppet beetle from this specific European amber source. The study team published their findings in the scientific journal ZooKeys recently.
Team used advanced imaging tools
Jules Ferreira led the research while working with colleagues at the Institut Botànic de Barcelona and Universitat de Barcelona. André Nel from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris joined the collaboration alongside Alessandra Patera of the ALBA Synchrotron. The group utilized synchrotron X-ray microtomography to reconstruct a detailed 3D model without damaging the fragile fossil. This technique allowed them to compare the ancient insect with living relatives effectively.
Species honors mental health advocacy
The new species received the name Cnopus twentyonepilotorum to honor the band Twenty One Pilots. According to the authors, this dedication recognizes the group's role in promoting understanding of mental health concerns. They aim to reduce stigma surrounding anxiety and depression through this scientific naming choice. The discovery shows the beetle lineage existed 15 million years earlier than previously documented fossils.
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