Named Triamyxa coprolithica, the tiny beetles are also the first pests to be explained from fossilized feces– or coprolites– and were noticeable by a scanning technique that utilizes strong X-ray beams, according to a research study released Wednesday in the journal Current Biology. “Instead, Triamyxa likely shared its environment with larger beetles, which are represented by disarticulated remains in the coprolites, and other victim, which never ended up in the coprolites in an identifiable shape. “Maybe, when numerous more coprolites are evaluated, we will discover that some groups of reptiles produced coprolites that are not truly useful, while others have coprolites full of perfectly preserved pests that we can study.” Researchers who discover coprolite bugs can scan them in the exact same ways scientists scan amber pests, Fikáček included, which would reveal minute details.

“Instead, Triamyxa most likely shared its habitat with bigger beetles, which are represented by disarticulated remains in the coprolites, and other prey, which never ended up in the coprolites in a recognizable shape. “Maybe, when numerous more coprolites are analyzed, we will find that some groups of reptiles produced coprolites that are not truly useful, while others have coprolites full of perfectly preserved pests that we can study.” Researchers who discover coprolite insects can scan them in the exact same ways scientists scan amber bugs, Fikáček added, which would expose minute information.