China Amber Insect Atlas

Author: Hong Youchong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: The Illustrated Catalogue of Amber Insects of China is a large-scale, colorful atlas that records the most concentrated and numerous amber insects in China, as well as a systematic classification. It is the only catalog of amber insects in paleontology and entomology in China, renowned as a classic in the field. This catalog was initiated and supervised by the renowned Chinese paleontologist and former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Geology, Academician Xu Jie, in 1972. It was completed by the well-known Chinese paleoentomologist, Researcher Hong Youchong.
The author spent 24 years collecting amber insect specimens and another 5 years compiling them, with the entire process taking 29 years in total. This work has made significant contributions to the study of paleoentomology in China. The catalog includes the entire family of the vast Fushun insect assemblage, comprising 8 orders, 55 families, 174 genera, and 199 species. This is the most concentrated, numerous, and systematically classified large-scale atlas of amber insects ever recorded in Chinese history, laying a foundation for research in this field.
Additionally, the Fushun insect assemblage holds high scientific value:
1. Stratigraphic Distribution: The Fushun insect assemblage represents a group from the Paleogene period, characterized by a unique type that combines both more primitive traits and evolved features, as well as exclusive characteristics. It is distinctly different from the insects of later epochs like the Oligocene and Miocene, making its stratigraphic vertical section and comparison scientifically significant.
2. Insect Evolutionary Relationships: The Fushun insect assemblage exhibits a unique intermediate form, which is crucial for understanding the evolution and development of insects from the Mesozoic to the Paleogene.
3. Biogeographic Distribution: The Fushun insect assemblage is a unique Paleogene group exclusive to the East Asian landmass, occupying an important position in the global paleoentomological biogeography. It provides new fossil groups for paleoentomological biogeographic classification, playing a vital role in defining new paleoentomological regions.
4. Paleoclimate: The majority of the species in the Fushun insect assemblage are adapted to subtropical and tropical habitats, reflecting the subtropical climate of the Fushun region during that time, rather than the current temperate climate. This aligns with the findings from plant, spore, and pollen fossil studies in Fushun.
In summary, the Fushun insect assemblage not only provides scientific evidence for insect classification and evolution but also aids in reconstructing paleogeography and paleoclimate, thereby helping to locate coal deposits or other sedimentary layers of the same stratigraphic level.
Research on amber insects in Fushun is at the forefront internationally. Compared to similar works internationally, especially those on Baltic amber insects, which often lack clear provenance for their specimens, making it difficult to determine their specific geographic origin, stratigraphic position, and geological age, and which are often deficient in geological maps and cross-sections—these shortcomings prioritize aesthetic appeal over scientific rigor. In contrast, the Fushun amber insect specimens in this catalog are accompanied by detailed geological maps, cross-sections, and precise stratigraphic and geological age data, along with thorough descriptions of their lithology. Such specimens not only hold ornamental and collectible value but, more importantly, scientific and research value. This demonstrates that China's research on Fushun insects is leading in the global field.
The catalog is rich in content, well-organized, and rigorously structured, with clear and accessible text. The illustrations of insects are novel and visually appealing, making the reading experience enjoyable. It will positively influence the popularization of paleoentomology, a discipline shrouded in mystery, and stands as an exceptional work that combines professional and popular science.