Cretaceous Polychaete Worm Setae

Description: A rarely seen member of the Polychaetae, or Bristleworms, coming from the Cretaceous of Lebanon. Known for its incredibly well-preserved fish and crustaceans, the sublithographic limestone also preserved incredible detail here as well. The polychaete worms are related to earthworms and leeches, well-known members of the Phylum Annelida. They derive their common name from the setae (or chaetae – bristles) on each side of the body. The Polychaetae can trace their fossil record back to the 520 million year old Burgess Shale where examples such as Burgessochaeta and Canadia have been preserved. This one preserves only the setae, looking much line a string of barbed wire.