Introduction
The fine-grained limestones, oil shales and marls of the Green River Formation are excellent rock types for preserving tiny creatures such as insects. The fine-grained rocks enabled the preservation of tiny details. These photos from the National Park Service - Fossil Butte National Monument are examples of some of the many types of fossil insects preserved in the Green River swamps and intermountain lakes.
| Because of their glossy irridescent colors, members of the family Buprestidae are known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles, such as the emerald ash borer. National Park Service photo. |
| Beetles are the most diverse and abundant group of animals today but are poorly represented as fossils in Fossil Lake. National Park Service photo. |
| The insect fossils from Fossil Lake sometimes show color patterns, wing venation, and sex-related characteristics. Notice the venation pattern on the wings of this fly. National Park Service photo. |
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| Many species of insects are found in the Green River Formation including dragonflies. The wetland margins of Fossil Lake provided ideal breeding and foraging opportunities. National Park Service photo. |
| Preserved insects from Fossil Lake sometimes show color patterns, wing venation, and sex related characteristics. Note the pattern on the wings of this fossil insect. National Park Service photo. |
| Collectively known as true bugs, Hemiptera species include cicadas, aphids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, shield bugs and others. (fossil is approximately 1 cm long). National Park Service photo. |
| Preserved insects from Fossil Lake sometimes show color patterns, wing venation, and sex related characteristics. Note the pattern around the edge of this true bug's abdomen. National Park Service photo. |
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