Enigmatic Pseudangustidontus Spinose Arthropod Limb Fossil

Part and Counterpart Specimen

Pseudangustidontus duplospineus

Phylum Arthropoda

Geological Time: Lower Ordovician

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossil is 20 mm (curve measure) by 10 mm (with spines) on a 85 mm by 70 mm and 80 mm by 45 mm matrix pair

Fossil Site: Fezouata Formation, Zagora, Morocco

Fossil Code: 12046

Price: $335.00


Pseudangustidontus duplospineusFossil Description: Spinose appendages are known for a wide range of arthropods. While the identity of the bearer of these unusual ones is not known, they have been described in the literature in 2006 from a single specimen. Other than the use to directly wound prey, spines also can serve to immobilize a prey organism. This one has two distinct pairs of spines, and as such is distinguished from another problematic taxon Angustidontus. It is thought that the longer spines served to immobilize the prey while the shorter ones have served to spear it, making the bearer an ambush predator. Until more complete material is found the affinities of this enigmatic arthropod remain uncertain.

Reference: Acta Palaeontol. Pol. 51 (2) pp239-246 (2006).

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