Biology:Proscorpius

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Short description: Extinct genus of scorpions

Proscorpius
Temporal range: Wenlock-Lochkovian, 422.9–416.0 Ma
The Eurypterida of New York plate 88.jpg
Drawing of the type specimen.
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Scorpiones
Family: Proscorpiidae
Genus: Proscorpius
Whitfield, 1885[1]
Type species
Proscorpius osborni
(Whitfield, 1885)[1]
Synonyms
  • Archaeophonus eurypteroides Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966
  • Stoermeroscorpio delicatus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966

Proscorpius (meaning 'dawn scorpion') is an extinct genus of proscorpiid scorpion that was originally thought to have been a eurypterid.[2] Proscorpius lived during the Silurian and Devonian periods (about 422.9–416.0 ma). The type and only species, Proscorpius osborni is currently the world's oldest scorpion. It was discovered in the Lagerstätte Bertie Formation (Fiddlers Green Member);[3] an epifaunal stratum of New York.[4] The fossil measures roughly 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) in length, however, it is missing part of the tail, so in life the animal would be slightly longer.[1]

See also

References

Wikidata ☰ Q45305797 entry