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Meet The World's Oldest Sexy Insect Fossil

Raishad Hardnett |
November 7, 2013 | 12:31 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

A modern day froghopper. (Image via Creative Commons)
A modern day froghopper. (Image via Creative Commons)
Even after 165 million years, bug sex hasn't changed much.

Scientists have discovered the earliest fossil of insect sex in China. The fossil immortalizes two insects called froghoppers in the middle of a mating session that was interrupted by a volcanic eruption about 165 million years ago. 

The fossils prove that the anatomy of contemporary froghoppers are still similar to those back in the day.

"The male and female organ -- we can see it. That's really rare," said Chung Kun Shin, according to Fox News. "Insect fossils are so good we can see the detailed structure, including the hair."

Sexy insect fossils are highly rare, as only 40 have been discovered so far.

To see the fossil, click here

To contact Executive Producer Raishad Hardnett, email him at hardnett@usc.edu.



 

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