Nature enthusiast Valerie Varnuska is a resident of Westbury, NY. Given her interest in nature, Valerie Varnuska enjoys learning about several related subjects, including paleontology. When scanning fossilized coprolite of a dinosaur relative that lived during the Triassic period in modern-day Poland, paleontologists discovered a new species of ancient beetle. This beetle was found using synchrotron microtomography, a method that is similar to how amber insects are scanned. Synchrotron microtomography uses 3D technology that shows a high level of resolution and contrast so internal structures in fossils are more easily identified. Thanks to this detailed technology, the researchers saw the insect’s body, something that likely would have gone unnoticed using other scanning options. Named Triamyxa coprolithica, the new beetle is a semiaquatic specimen that belongs to the suborder Myxophaga in the daily Triamyxidae. It most likely lived in humid environments and was eaten by Silesaurus opolensis. Since Silesaurus opolensis was omnivorous, it’s unlikely that the beetle was its main source of food. Rather, it’s believed that it was simply part of its diet.

1. Valerie Varnuska

2. Nature enthusiast Valerie Varnuska is a resident of Westbury, NY. Given
her interest in nature, Valerie Varnuska enjoys learning about several
related subjects, including paleontology.

3. When scanning fossilized coprolite of a dinosaur relative that lived during
the Triassic period in modern-day Poland, paleontologists discovered a
new species of ancient beetle. This beetle was found using synchrotron
microtomography, a method that is similar to how amber insects are
scanned.

4. Synchrotron microtomography uses 3D technology that shows a high
level of resolution and contrast so internal structures in fossils are more
easily identified. Thanks to this detailed technology, the researchers saw
the insect’s body, something that likely would have gone unnoticed using
other scanning options.

5. Named Triamyxa coprolithica, the new beetle is a semiaquatic specimen
that belongs to the suborder Myxophaga in the daily Triamyxidae. It most
likely lived in humid environments and was eaten by Silesaurus opolensis.
Since Silesaurus opolensis was omnivorous, it’s unlikely that the beetle
was its main source of food. Rather, it’s believed that it was simply part
of its diet.