Jaekelopterus
extinct Devonian genus of the Eurypterida (sea scorpions) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Jaekelopterus is an extinct genus of eurypterids from the Lower Devonian period. The two species are J. rhenaniae from the Rhineland, and J. howelli from Wyoming.
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Etymology
The name Jaekelopterus comes from the discoverer of the type species, Otto Jaekel, and Greek pteron, meaning "wing".[source?]
Description
Jaekelopterus is the largest sea scorpions and is possibly the largest arthropod to have ever existed, this is based on a chelicera that is 36.4 cm long.[1]
Characteristics
This sea scorpion is similar to other types of pterygotid in its morphology,[2] distinguished by a triangular telson.[3]
Visual system
Both Jaekelopterus rhenaniae and Pterygotus anglicus have high visual acuity, and this is suggested by the low IOA and that they have many lenses in their compound eyes.[4]
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Classification
Discovery
Jaekelopterus was discovered by Otto Jaekel in 1914 as a Pterygotus species.[source?] However, in 1964, British paleontologist Charles D. Waterston decided to make the genus Jaekelopterus because the abdominal appendages were segmented as opposed to those of Pterygotus.[5]
Species
- †Jaekelopterus rhenaniae Jaekel, 1914
- †Jaekelopterus howelli Kjellesvig-Waering & Størmer, 1952
Gallery
Drawing of Jaekelopterus
Fossil of J. rhenaniae
Size comparison
Related pages
References
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