This is a fossil dragonfly of the species Mesuropetala muensteri, originating from the Solnhofen limestone of Eichstätt. The specimen preserves all four wings as well as the body and is displayed on a particularly intriguing slab. The bedding surfaces show pronounced wrinkle structures.
These structures formed mainly early diagenetically, caused by the subaquatic sliding of still‑soft, unconsolidated lime mud down submarine slopes or basin margins. Such events may have been triggered by minor tectonic activity, such as small underwater earthquakes.
The wingspan of the fossil dragonfly measures approximately 94 millimetres.
Overall, this piece represents both a visually appealing and a geologically highly interesting specimen. |
