Lower Cretaceous Period, 110 million years BP. A fossil aquatic beetle Dytiscidae sp. in a thick matrix with a large quantity of larvae. 126 grams, 75mm (3"). From an old Bristol paleontological collection; acquired in the 1950s-60s; from the Crato Formation, near Ceara, Brazil. The Crato Formation of Brazil is a world-famous site for an incredible diversity of outstanding fossil insects, rare invertebrates including arachnids (spiders and scorpions, centipedes), amazing fish fossils (many preserved in concretions as complete three-dimensional fish), plants and even pterosaurs! Located about 500 kilometres inland from the coast, the Crato beds are exposed on the north and eastern parts of a flat plateau, the Chapada do Araripe, surrounded by the present-day towns of Nova Olinda, Crato and Exu. Fossil insects are primarily found in the laminated limestones of the bottom section of the Crato Formation known as the Nova Olinda Member. They date back to the Lower Cretaceous about 112 million years ago (Late Aptian or Lower Albian"). [No Reserve]