Scientists discover why glowing spider fossils are exquisitely preserved

American researchers examine geologic formation near Aix-en-Provence to reveal secrets, finds Jane Dalton

Fossilised spider from the Aix-en-Provence formation in France seen in hand sample overlain with fluorescent microscopy image (Olcott et al)

Scientists have revealed why a collection of glowing spider fossils in France are so exquisitely preserved.

As a lockdown project, a group of American researchers examined a geologic formation near Aix-en-Provence that is particularly known among geologists for its fossils from the Oligocene Period, 23-34 million years ago.

Arthropods, animals with exoskeletons – external skeletons – such as spiders, are rarely fossilised, so their abundance at Aix-en-Provence is described as remarkable.