EXTREMELY RARE LIZARD PRESERVED IN COPAL. ...

Description

EXTREMELY RARE LIZARD PRESERVED IN COPAL
Anolis sp.
Pleistocene
Andes Mountains, Colombia, South America

Large vertebrates such as lizards are extremely rare to be found in ancient tree resin due to the fact that they are usually strong enough to escape. The present example represents the largest known lizard ever discovered entombed in Colombian copal measuring close to 2 ½ inches in length. By examining the fossil lizard trapped inside this clear honey-colored copal nugget we can hypothesize that perhaps this large lizard was dead, and partially scavenged, shortly before it fell (or dropped) into the sap flow. This is evidenced by the fact that small portions of the left front and hind limbs are absent. Otherwise, this fantastically preserved reptile is virtually complete and retains magnificent detail from head to tail. Even some of the tiny scales that cover its body can be seen along with some of the small claws.
Another interesting aspect of this extraordinary copal specimen is the multitude of other fascinating inclusions such as numerous enhydros (trapped water) and insects including winged termites; ants; beetles; wasps; fungus gnats; a moth and spider. This clear, well polished nugget measures 3 ½ x 1 3/8 inches.

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