Fossil evidence reveals butterflies and moths lived 50m years earlier than thought

Earliest fossil evidence shows the winged insects were alive 200m years ago alongside the early dinosaurs

The earliest known fossil evidence of butterflies and moths has been found in Germany, showing they lived at least 50m years earlier than previously believed and challenging one of the most popular beliefs about their evolution.

Scales from the wings of at least seven species were found in a sample of just 10g of sediment - the weight of a UK pound coin - and researchers believe there are "many, many more" to be identified.