Biology:Proscorpius

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Short description: Extinct genus of scorpions

Proscorpius
Temporal range: Wenlock-Lochkovian, 422.9–416.0 Ma
Drawing of the type specimen.
Scientific classification e
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Animalia
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Arthropoda
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Chelicerata
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Arachnida
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Scorpiones
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: Proscorpiidae
Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: 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