Scientists Discover Bizarre 100-Million-Year-Old Insect With Giant Claws

Researchers identified a 100-million-year-old amber fossil from Myanmar as a new true bug species, Carcinonepa libererrantes.

Using 3D micro-CT scans and morphological analysis, they found the insect had unusual crab-like front claws.

The specimen was classified as a new genus and species within Heteroptera, highlighting a rare independent evolution of grasping limbs in insects.

The discovery also helps reconstruct the ecosystems of Cretaceous Myanmar.