30 Million-Year-Old Ladybug Fossil Found in Baltic Amber

Ladybugs: Millions of Years in the Making A recent TikTok video by science teacher Zeke Darwin (@zekedarwinscience) has brought renewed attention to the fascinating history of ladybugs. Darwin's video highlights the discovery of a remarkably preserved ladybug fossil in Baltic amber, dating back over 30 million years. This find provides compelling visual evidence of the ladybug's ancient origins and evolutionary success. "It's absolutely beautiful," says Darwin, gesturing to images of the fossil in his video. "To think we can look at an insect that was alive over 30 million years ago... it's amazing." The video also details the ladybug's life cycle and the surprising diversity of ladybug species currently in existence—over 6,000. This combination of ancient history and present-day biodiversity makes the ladybug a compelling subject for scientific study and public interest. Darwin's video serves as a testament to the power of scientific discovery and the enduring fascination with the natural world. The visual impact of the ancient fossil combined with the engaging presentation of the ladybug's life cycle makes this a truly memorable and educational experience.