(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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Fossils

Studying fossils teaches us about plants and animals of the past, including our human ancestors. Go back in time and discover the stories that fossils can reveal, including the hunting habits of early humans and the oversized trees that used to dominate Britain.

  • The oldest fossil insect in the world
    The oldest fossil insect in the world

    A specimen that has been sitting in the Museum's collection for over 60 years was recently confirmed as being the world's oldest fossil insect.

  • Fossil folklore
    Fossil folklore

    What are fossils? Find out how fossils are formed and discover the truth behind some of the myths that have grown up around them.

  • Dino directory
    Dino directory

    Which dinosaurs lived in Britain? Check out our guide to over 100 dinosaurs and search by country, date or using the A-Z.

  • Dino-birds
    Dino-birds

    Are today’s birds descendants of the dinosaurs? Explore the evidence that proved exactly that.

  • Earth lab fossils
    Earth-lab datasite

    Find out about fossils, minerals and rocks discovered in your local area with the Earth Lab database.

  • Virtual specimens
    Virtual specimens

    Examine our virtual specimens, from fossilised trilobites to the bizarre Anomalocaris that stalked the seas 540 million years ago.

  • dino birds
    Dino-birds (video)

    Museum palaeontologist Angela Milner discusses the evidence that proves today's birds descended from the dinosaurs.

  • From bodies to bones and back again
    From bodies to bones and back again (video)

    What stories can animal bones tell us about our ancestors? Join archaeologist Robert Symmons to find out.

  • Giant sloth skeleton
    The Megatherium (video)

    Find out about this huge ancestor of today’s sloths, one of the most impressive mammals to walk the Earth.

  • Forest in Britain
    Fossil plants of Britain (video)

    Britain's plants have changed radically over the years. Trace the roots of today's flora through the fossilized specimens at the Museum.

  • The search for DNA in amber
    The search for DNA in amber

    Scientists discuss the controversial debate over whether dinosaur DNA really can be extracted from the fossilized resin of ancient trees.

  • Cyclical fossil record research
    Cyclical fossil record research

    Museum scientists discover new explanation for patterns in the fossil record.

  • A child examining fossils at the festival
    Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

    Watch video footage as the Nature Live team brings you all the fun from the festival over recent years.

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