Researchers have found what they believe is a 100-million-year-old spider.
Experts at Oregon State University said the discovery is the only fossil of its kind showing a spider attacking prey caught in its web.
The fossils are in a piece of amber that came from the Hukawng Valley of Myanmar in the Early Cretaceous between 97 million and 110 million years ago. Dinosaurs were almost certainly wandering nearby as the spider moved in on the other prehistoric insect, according to researchers.
At least 15 strands of unbroken spider silk run through the piece of amber, including some ensnaring the wasp.
The same piece of amber also contains the body of a male spider in the same web. Experts said it is the oldest evidence of social behavior in spiders, which still exists in some species today, but is fairly rare.
"This juvenile spider was going to make a meal out of a tiny parasitic wasp, but never quite got to it," said George Poinar Jr., a professor emeritus of zoology at Oregon State University and world expert on insects trapped in amber.
Poinar outlined the findings in a new publication in the journal Historical Biology.
He said the spider was just about to attack when tree resin flowed over the top and captured them both.
Experts believe spiders date back 200 million years, but the oldest fossil evidence of a spider web is only 130 million years old.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:56:44 GMT
A former Sherwood High School teacher is facing charges of sex abuse, the alleged victims three students. Washington County deputies say Denise Keesee turned herself into detectives today after monthsMore >
A former Sherwood High School teacher is facing charges of sex abuse, and police say the alleged victims are two former students.More >
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:47 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:47:39 GMT
A group of homeowners in Clackamas County is banding together to send crooks a strong message about an increase in crime in their neighborhood. They're starting to post signs that read, "Glock block. WeMore >
Homeowners in the Milwaukie area are posting signs in their neighborhood that say: "Glock block. We don't call 9-1-1."More >
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:23:30 GMT
A 5-year-old girl set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound, and now the group is targeting her. Jayden Sink raised nearly $200 on Friday while she sold lemonadeMore >
A 5-year-old girl set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound, and now the group is targeting her.More >
A driver is now facing charges for the death of a man dribbling a soccer ball along the West Coast with a mission of making it to the World Cup. Richard Swanson, 42, of Seattle, was hit from behind byMore >
A driver is now facing charges for the death of a man dribbling a soccer ball along the West Coast with a mission of making it to the World Cup.More >
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:27:20 GMT
A 3-year-old girl was taken by Life Flight to the trauma center after falling into a crawlspace and hitting her head. Emergency crews said it happened just before 6 p.m. Monday on Meyers Road in OregonMore >
A 3-year-old girl was taken by Life Flight to the trauma center after falling into a crawlspace and hitting her head.More >
Monday, June 17 2013 9:59 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:59:19 GMT
LYNCHBURG, VA (RNN) – Kimberly Burke is used to capturing emotion. As a wedding photographer, she has an eye for tender moments, like the photo she snapped of a Marine and his bride praying that has goneMore >
A quiet moment captured before a couple wed has brought collective "awws" by millions on the internet.More >
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:58:23 GMT
Clackamas and Gladstone firefighters are responding to High Rocks Park in the Gladstone area to search for a missing person in the Clackamas River.Further details weren't immediately available, but FOXMore >
Construction workers called 911 after spotting a man struggling in the water as he was swept down river near High Rocks Park.More >
Monday, June 17 2013 3:19 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:19:36 GMT
A disgruntled man is accused of filing a false police report about a rape threat and possible hostage situation that shut down a Gresham neighborhood early Monday morning. Police said the report cameMore >
A disgruntled man is accused of filing a false police report about a rape threat and possible hostage situation that shut down a Gresham neighborhood early Monday morning.More >
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:55 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:55:21 GMT
A former coach at Catlin Gabel school turned himself in on charges of luring a minor Monday morning. Washington County deputies said Deonte Huff was originally arrested back in May at his apartment onMore >
A former coach at Catlin Gabel school turned himself in on charges of luring a minor Monday morning.More >