Two monsters trapped in ancient rock in France have helped scientists complete the description of the largest arthropod species that ever existed on Earth.
Using CT imaging, scientists successfully recreated the head of two ancient Arthropleura monsters found in rock at the Montceau-les-Mines Lagerstätte (France).
As a result, after more than a century since their initial discovery, the profile of this mysterious creature has been refined by paleontologists.
3D reconstruction of the fossilized head of the monster centipede found in France – (Photo: Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University).
The fossils of the two Arthropleura in France are estimated to be around 300 million years old, as this group of organisms is believed to have existed from about 346 million years ago (early Carboniferous) until 290 million years ago (early Permian).
In the oxygen-rich atmosphere at that time, Arthropleura could grow to lengths of 2.6 meters, leading scientists to describe them as monster-sized cars.
The bodies of the monster centipedes could reach lengths of up to 2.6 meters – (Photo: Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University).
Speaking to Live Science, paleontologist Mickaël Lheritier from Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University (France), a member of the research team, stated that although Arthropleura has been described for a long time, for over a century the description remained incomplete due to the lack of a head.
“Now with the complete head – the lower jaw, eyes, and these features – we can understand the position of this creature in the evolutionary process” – Dr. Lheritier said.
Previously, features on the body led scientists to suspect that it was closely related to modern centipedes. Now, thanks to the new anatomical features, they officially confirm this.
However, it still exhibits hybrid characteristics with other animal groups that scientists will need to continue researching to find answers.
Most notably is its stalked eyes, a feature never seen in the centipede lineage, which resembles more aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, such as crustaceans.
“The stalked eyes remain a significant mystery as we really don’t know how to explain this” – Dr. Lheritier admitted.
