Ancient Arachnid Preserved in Amber With Erect Penis
Posted on February 3, 2016
An ancient arachnid was preserved in amber with an erect penis. The harvestman died about 99 million years ago. It is a new species of harvestman named Halitherses grimaldii. The photographs above include a close-up of the arachnid's sex organ.
The scientists explain in a release, titled "A Penis in Amber," that they were able to describe the species in a new, extinct family thanks to its large eyes and its spatula-like penis tip. The species was first discovered in a fossil in 2005 but researchers were unable to place it in the harvestman family tree. Now the scientists have been able to do so thanks to the visible genitalia. The organ is normally hidden within the body when not in use.
One reason for the arachnid's aroused state at the time of its death could be that it may have lost its female harvestman companion right before it was felled. Discover Magazine writes that the researchers say it is also possible the arachnid's struggle with the sticky resin may have caused its blood pressure to rise so much that its penis became erect.
The research paper was published here in the journal, The Science of Nature.