palaeoentomology

Palaeoentomology is the branch of paleontology that studies fossil insects and their evolution, ecology, and interactions with other organisms. It draws on the broader fields of entomology and geology to interpret how ancient insects lived, diversified, and contributed to past ecosystems. The fossil record includes body fossils, trace fossils that record behavior or activity, and inclusions preserved in amber.

Preservation and materials vary widely. Body fossils may be mineralized exoskeletons or impressions in sedimentary rocks. Amber can preserve three‑dimensional, sometimes soft tissues and delicate structures, providing detailed morphology. Trace fossils include insect borings, nest structures, and feeding marks that reveal behavior. Lagerstätten yield exceptionally well-preserved assemblages that illuminate diversity and ecology that are otherwise poorly understood.

Methods in palaeoentomology combine field collection, careful preparation, and detailed morphological analysis. Researchers compare fossil insects with modern relatives, examine wing venation and other morphological features, and employ imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy or micro-Computed Tomography. Phylogenetic analyses, stratigraphic context, and occasionally molecular clock calibrations help place fossils in evolutionary timelines.

The fossil record shows insects from the Paleozoic era, with significant diversification during the Carboniferous and continued expansion in the Mesozoic and beyond. Major groups studied include beetles, flies, bees and wasps, true bugs, lacewings, and dragonflies. Palaeoentomology informs reconstructions of ancient ecosystems, climate, and plant–insect interactions, including pollination and herbivory, while also highlighting biases and gaps in preservation that shape our understanding of insect evolution.