Fragments of filled wood‐borings were recently discovered from the Eocene–Oligocene Conglomerate and Sandstone Formation of the Malzieu Basin (Lozere, southern France). Propagation phase‐contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography (PPC‐SRμCT) was used to characterize their hidden inner structures. Virtual 2D sections and 3D reconstructions show that the inner microstructures of borings display a mudstone–wackestone siliceous matrix including tiny coprolites. The hexagonal cross‐section of these coprolites is characteristic of termite faecal pellets. Morphology and dimensions of the coprolites share strong similarities with those of extant Kalotermitidae (drywood termites). The depositional environment is interpreted as a fluvial valley in which the lenticular sandstone and conglomerate lenses correspond to channels. This discovery complements the record of Palaeogene termites which remain poor in France and throughout the world.

中文翻译：

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法国南部洛泽尔 Malzieu 盆地始新世-渐新世填充木钻孔内的同步加速器显微断层扫描揭示隐藏的白蚁粪化石

最近在 Malzieu 盆地（法国南部洛泽尔）的始新世-渐新世砾岩和砂岩组中发现了填充钻孔的碎片。传播相衬X射线同步加速器显微断层扫描（PPC-SRμCT）用于表征其隐藏的内部结构。虚拟 2D 截面和 3D 重建表明，钻孔的内部微观结构显示泥岩-泥质硅质基质，包括微小的粪化石。这些粪化石的六边形横截面是白蚁粪便颗粒的特征。粪化石的形态和尺寸与现存的 Kalotermitidae（干木白蚁）具有很强的相似性。沉积环境被解释为河谷，其中透镜状砂岩和砾岩透镜体对应于通道。