Palaeontology

Prehistoric 5ft-long sea scorpion unearthed

By T.K. Randall
September 1, 2015

Image: Indian Black Scorpion
Credit: Renjusplace / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) Known as Pentecopterus decorahensis, this ancient eurypterid lived around 460 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs first arrived on the scene.

"The new species is incredibly bizarre," said study lead author James Lamsdell. "The shape of the paddle - the leg which it would use to swim - is unique, as is the shape of the head. It's also big!"

More than 150 fossil fragments belonging to the new species were unearthed in all, something made possible by their preservation within thick shale at the site of an ancient impact crater."Perhaps most surprising is the fantastic way it is preserved," said Lamsdell. "The exoskeleton is compressed on the rock but can be peeled off and studied under a microscope."

The researchers believe that Pentecopterus may have walked on six legs rather than the usual eight and had hind legs covered in stiff bristles that helped it to feel its way around.

Given its huge size the species would have been a sight to behold in the prehistoric seas.

Source: Discovery News

Tags: Scorpion