A 99-million-year-old fossil, discovered in Burmese amber, is leading scientists to reconsider the role of insects in the pollination of ancient flowers. The fossil, identified as *Shaykayatcoris michalskii*, provides strong evidence that true bugs, a group not typically associated with pollination today, may have been significant pollinators during the Mesozoic era.
The specimen, originating from the Lower Cretaceous period, was found preserved in amber from the West Burma terrane. Burmese amber is renowned for its exceptional preservation qualities, and this particular fossil includes plant fragments and pollen grains adhered to the insect's body. This direct association suggests the true bug interacted with flowers, potentially playing a role in their reproduction.
This finding challenges the current understanding of true bugs, which are primarily known today for feeding on fungi or inhabiting bark crevices, rather than acting as significant pollinators. The study suggests that these ancient bugs might have occupied a pollination niche more frequently than their modern relatives. This discovery aligns with a broader scientific understanding of insect-plant coevolution, which indicates that insect pollination was crucial for the diversification of angiosperms, the flowering plants, beginning around 130 million years ago.
While bees, butterflies, and flies are the dominant pollinators in the present day, evidence suggests that beetles and scorpionflies also played important roles in earlier epochs. The discovery of *Shaykayatcoris michalskii* supports a growing body of research indicating a more diverse range of ancient pollinators than previously assumed. For instance, studies on Mesozoic lacewings from approximately 99 million years ago have also revealed specialized mouthparts adapted for pollination, pointing to a complex network of plant-insect interactions during that period.
The implications of this fossil discovery extend to modern ecological concerns. Understanding the historical diversity of pollination mechanisms can offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by contemporary pollinators. By examining how ancient life forms adapted to environmental shifts, scientists can better inform strategies for pollinator conservation amidst current ecological changes. The resilience and adaptability of ancient organisms like *Shaykayatcoris michalskii* serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of ecosystems and the potential for unexpected participants in vital ecological processes.