The composition of fossil insect eyes surprises researchers
Published 14 August 2019 Fossil crane-fly from the 54-million-year-old Fur Formation of Denmark (overall width of specimen is about 50 mm). Note distinct compound eyes preserved as dark stains. (Photo: René Lyng Sylvestersen) Eumelanin – a natural pigment found for instance in human eyes – has, for the first time, been identified in the fossilized compound eyes of 54-million-year-old crane-flies.
https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/composition-fossil-insect-eyes-surprises-researchers - 2025-04-19