Fragments of a fossil scorpion collected from Silurian (Ludfordian, c. 420 Ma) strata near Trecastle in Powys, Wales, are described. They represent one of the oldest records of Scorpiones, of which only five other species are known from the Silurian. Given the incomplete nature of the new material, which includes a largely complete carapace with anteriorly positioned median eyes, we cannot assign it to any particular family or genus. However, the pustulate carapace ornament and preserved pattern of sulci are reminiscent of certain, much larger, fossil scorpions such as the Devonian Praearcturus gigas Woodward, 1871 and the Carboniferous Gigantoscorpio willsi Størmer, 1963.
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1 March 2013
Scorpion Fragments from the Silurian of Powys, Wales
Jason A. Dunlop,
Paul A. Selden
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