Scientists from Spain and France have described a new species of beetle that lived around 53 million years ago and was preserved in amber. The insect was discovered in northern France, and its scientific name, Cnopus twentyonepilotorum, is a reference to the American duo Twenty One Pilots (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun).
The ancient beetle belongs to the Aderidae family, whose members are found today on almost every continent. The fossil was found in amber from the Le Quesnoy locality near the town of Creil. The amber formed in the early Eocene (between 56 and 47 million years ago), when warm and humid forests covered the area.
To study the insect without damaging the amber, the researchers used synchrotron X-ray microtomography. This technology made it possible to produce a detailed three-dimensional model of the beetle.
The name was chosen in recognition of Twenty One Pilots' contribution to raising awareness of mental health issues. The musicians have made destigmatising mental disorders and preventing self-harm a central theme of their work. Many psychotherapists note that the band's work offers young people a safe way to acknowledge their difficulties and start a conversation with professionals or loved ones. Twenty One Pilots' music gives listeners a sense of belonging and hope of finding a way out of crisis.
Members of the Aderidae family had already been found in samples of this amber, but the specimens discovered previously had not been formally described.
