The wide spectrum of faunal and floral fossil species found is a feature of the Messel fossils. Skeletons, laterally embedded and unfortunately pressed flat, together with the impressions of biogenic structures, such as skin, hair, and feathers, by have been preserved together by anaerobic bacteria. Paradoxically, the micro-organisms that decompose the soft tissues are also responsible for reproducing the soft-tissue structures (Wuttke 1983). With this information, it is possible to reconstruct the form of the animals and to deduce their living conditions and environments. Even food remnants have been preserved. An analysis of the contents of the fossilised digestive tracts (Fig.3) and coprolites allow conclusions to be drawn regarding faunal food preferences. These remains provide interesting information about how the organisms fed; conclusions may then be drawn as to their habitats. Food remnants, mainly found with vertebrate fossils, have for the first time been found with leafand pollen-eating insects. The insects themselves are pressed completely flat and are therefore deformed