Unicorn Fly Found in Amber

by Jordan Yerman | October 27, 2009 at 02:52 pm

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They're calling it the Unicorn Fly. The new species of extinct flying insect was found preserved in amber: the Unicorn Fly has three eyes atop a horn on its head, and lived 100 million years ago. The Unicorn Fly represents an entirely new family of flies that has never before been seen. Tiny grains of pollen from the fly's favorite flowers accompanied it in the amber, much like how a mummy is buried with its personal effects.

“It was probably a docile little creature that fed on the pollen and nectar of tiny tropical flowers,” Poinar said. “But it was really bizarre looking. One of the reviewers of the study called it a monster, and I have to admit it had a face only another fly could have loved. I was thinking of making some masks based on it for Halloween.”

Now, that I'd like to see!