Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: Buckeye Girl on 24/08/2008 23:31:54

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: Buckeye Girl on 24/08/2008 23:31:54

Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm hoping the very knowledgeable folks on this forum might be able to help me identify this fossil. I found this in a creek bed in Central Missouri. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many many thanks in return.

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: RD on 24/08/2008 23:41:38

This TNS thread on coral may be of interest...
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=16123.0

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: JimBob on 25/08/2008 03:28:57

A scale in a picture would help (a picture with a ruler in it - or a quarter or a dime.)

Baring that, I would say coral if the cells are larger than an inch.

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: Buckeye Girl on 25/08/2008 05:13:46

Most of the cells are 1/4 inch wide. Sorry about the previous pictures. I should have included the scale for reference.

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: Buckeye Girl on 25/08/2008 05:14:59

One more

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: Karen W. on 25/08/2008 08:45:18

Top light colored one looks like a wasp nest from that angle, but looking at the outer surface Its not quite right... but it looks old!

Here is a paper wasps nest!

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Its really hard to tell as the pieces seem very old.. it could be a wasp nest.. Maybe.. I am no expert  though and someone should know better then I.

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: RD on 25/08/2008 11:38:22

If you compare the size of the hexagonal cells with the thickness of the walls separating them...

 [ Invalid Attachment ]


The walls in your fossil are too thick for an insect nest, (paper nest left, wax comb right).

I think your fossils are coral.

source of images (http://www.localhoney.co.uk/aboutbeespages/wasps.htm)

Title: Hrm....sponge or wasp/bee nest
Post by: Buckeye Girl on 26/08/2008 04:34:08

All of the pictures are of the same specimen. Some pictures were taken with a flash...others not.
Thank you all for your suggestions. Much appreciated. :)