Fossil Cockroach Found in Baltic Amber

Cockroach Fossil Found in Baltic Amber in Kaliningrad, Estimated at 35–40 Million Years Old.

Fossilized cockroach preserved in Eocene Baltic amber. Photo by: ©  Kaliningrad Amber Plant.

A 35–40 million-year-old cockroach fossil has been unearthed in Baltic amber during routine sorting at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine’s Primorsky quarry, the world’s largest industrial amber deposit. This exceptional specimen—encased in a 41 × 21 mm, 7 g piece of amber—preserves the insect’s wings, legs, and head in remarkable detail.

Anna Dugina, gemologist at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine (operated by Rostec), confirms it is the largest cockroach-like inclusion identified at the facility in the past five years. “The fossil’s orientation within the resin allowed us to polish the amber without any damage,” Dugina explains, noting subtle morphological differences from modern cockroaches while highlighting comparable species in today’s tropical ecosystems.

The Primorsky quarry, located near Yantarny, supplies over 90 percent of the world’s amber, with 627 tonnes extracted in 2024 alone. Baltic amber from this region is famed for its fidelity in preserving Eocene-era flora and fauna, offering paleontologists an unparalleled window into ancient biodiversity.

Following verification tests—which guard against the prevalent issue of counterfeit inclusions—the cockroach fossil will join the Kaliningrad Regional Amber Museum’s collection of more than 14,000 specimens (including over 3,000 with inclusions). Vasily Simonov of the Amber Union emphasizes that authenticated fossils both expand scientific knowledge and drive collector interest.

Miners discover ancient cockroach fossilized in Baltic amber.

In line with Combine tradition, the confirmed specimen will receive a unique name reflecting cultural or historical themes. Previous named finds include the 2019 “Crimsky” nugget, commemorating the year’s key events.

This discovery reinforces Kaliningrad’s status as a leading center for paleontological amber research, illuminating Eocene insect life and the environmental conditions of a world 35 million years ago.

Raw Baltic amber excavated from Primorsky Open-Pit Quarry, Russia.

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