Naturkundemuseum Potsdam (Natural History Museum of Potsdam) - Insect Display and Fossil Exhibits
Today's insect showcase is a rather special one. These picture come together of a dear, top-tier friend of mine during her travels to Germany, and I am very grateful to receive them, and her stories from her travels. Of course, as these pictures aren't mine and the imagery photographed here belongs to an educational institution, they are marked with the Mantis Icon. Specifically, these fossils and insect displays were taken at the Natural History Museum of Potsdam, or as it is known in German parlance, Naturkundemuseum Potsdam. Based on what I was told, the image highlights here are just a small fraction of the insect specimens on display, which is to say nothing of the rest of the museum. There is also a multitude of preserved specimens in jars, alongside expertly done animal taxidermy (pinning insects meanwhile is much more simple) and stunning dinosaur fossils. The images I've seen make these insects seem rather miniscule, but in fact, it just goes to show how long insects have been around for and how well adapted they were to their environments, even hundreds of millions of years ago. While their size may have gotten smaller over time as a result of atmospheric and environmental changes (including oxygen levels), the insects' overall forms remain unchanged relative to their modern day equivalents.
On display here we find a collection of insect fossils similar to that of Toronto's ROM insect fossils (a few of which can be seen in these posts), only presented with more distinction. Specifically, all specimens on display here are clearly labelled down the specie of the (now extinct) fossilized insect. In terms of highlights, we appear to have fossilized Dragonflies (with pristine wing venation in the stone) in the form of Mesuropetala koehleri, Stenophelbia amphitrite, and Uroghompus eximius; fossilized Pond Skaters/Water Striders in the form of Cresmoda obscura; a fossilized Hymenopteran (seen in Picture 2) and a fossilized Roach in the form of Lithoblatta lithophila. Apparently the lattermost fossil is mistaken by some to be a Beetle fossil. However, the true identity of the said comes apparent when taking notice of the shape of the wings and the extended antennae whose impressions are visible within the fossil. For an actual view at Beetles, Picture 4 is all you need. Upon seeing it, my eyes go right to the Goliath Beetle (Goliathus sp., among the largest Scarab Beetles) and then wander leftward to the rows of metallic Beetles and their smaller Bug (distant) relatives. The display is magnificent, and just as comprehensive as the ROM's displays, albeit with a touch more style as a result of mingling insect orders together, rather than keep them separated. And to think, this is just a brief glimpse into the offerings of this museum.
Pictures were taken in July 15, 2025 in Brandenburg with an iPhone 8. This post is also counted as a milestone as I’ve received the notification that the blog’s posts have received over 1,000 reblogs! Awesome!! To everyone who enjoys these insects and shares them with others, I am forever grateful. Thank you for sharing these insects for more insect-lovers and Bug hunters to see. I couldn’t do this without you. And thank you, dear Lin, for sharing your adventures with me! <3
