For example, it is unusual to find cockroaches in amber. Analysis therefore of the amber deposits needs to be done with a high degree of circumspection, research and reasoned insight. There are some unusual and extraordinary things which infrequently turn up in amber. Occasionally a small lizard will be found, trapped and encased in amber, particularly from the Dominican Republic deposits. The American Natural History Museum has a famous example of a 25,000,000 year old gecko.
Lizards are extremely rare in European deposits.
The author believes there have only been two known and verified instances of lizards preserved in Baltic amber. Another unusual find are the remains of a frog discovered in a piece mined in the Dominican Republic. At first it was thought to be just one animal with some tissue preserved. The distinct shape of the frog can be seen but most of the flesh has deteriorated and several bones are exposed, some broken. Under closer scrutiny a count of the bones suggested that this particular frog must have had at least 6 legs.