Researchers reveal fascinating discovery of prehistoric arachnid with imposing spiky appendages
The thought of encountering a spider-like creature can instill fear in even the bravest souls, but imagine stumbling upon one adorned with large, spiky legs. This recent revelation sheds light on a captivating ancient arachnid with striking features.
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The thought of unexpectedly encountering a spider can be terrifying for anyone who is afraid of them, especially if it has large, spiky legs.
Around 300 to 320 million years ago, in what is now northeast Illinois, a unique creature roamed the land during the late Carboniferous Period. A recent study in the Journal of Paleontology sheds light on this long-extinct species.
Described as a "large spider-like arachnid" with "distinctive large spines on the legs" by the study's authors, this newly discovered creature remains a mystery. Scientists were unable to classify it within any known arachnid order due to its lack of mouthparts, which are typically used for classification purposes.
Dr. Jason Dunlop, a curator of arachnids and myriapods at Berlin’s Museum für Naturkunde and the study’s coauthor, was amazed by the unique features of the arachnid. He mentioned that while spiny legs are common in some arachnids, the presence of large spines all along the legs, especially in the first parts, was something they had never seen before. According to Dr. Dunlop, it was very striking.
Upon closer inspection, Dr. Dunlop and his team were puzzled by the unusual characteristics of the arachnid. They found themselves looking at it twice, wondering, "What are we looking at here?"
Expert fossil preparator Bob Masek made an exciting discovery in the 1980s at Illinois’ Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, a special site with well-preserved fossils. It wasn't until 2023 that it was revealed the specimen was a new species. Fossil collector David Douglass, who obtained it from Masek, generously donated it for further study.
The researchers carefully studied and took pictures of the fossil using a microscope with an attached camera.
They discovered that the creature was unlike any other arachnid known before, with legs covered in spines that looked similar to modern harvestmen arachnids but with a unique body structure.
Scientists think the spiny legs were for defensive purposes.
Scientists think the spiny legs were for defensive purposes.
Paul Selden/Museum für Naturkunde
The creature probably used its spines for protection rather than for attacking other animals, like how a hedgehog uses its spines today, according to Dunlop.
"If something tries to bite it, the spines would get caught in its mouth. When we talk about handling time, it means that if you want to eat something with spines, it would take longer because you have to remove the spines or bite around them," he explained.
Dunlop mentioned that there may have been scorpions, other spiders, primitive lizardlike animals, or large amphibians in the area that would have preyed on these arachnids, but it is impossible to confirm for sure.
2JWF1YB Large female Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) on her web in Snellville (Metro Atlanta), Georgia. (USA)
2JWF1YB Large female Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) on her web in Snellville (Metro Atlanta), Georgia. (USA)
Steve Allen/Alamy Stock Photo
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Researchers believe that without the mouthparts, it is difficult to determine the closest relative of this species. However, they speculate that it may be part of a larger group that includes spiders, whip spiders, and whip scorpions.
So far, paleontologists have only discovered this species in North America. However, there is a possibility that it could also be found in Northern Europe in the future, according to Dunlop.
A large area that once covered much of Europe and North America was likely a massive tropical rainforest. Fossils of arachnids, plants, and insects can often be found in coal-rich regions, according to experts.
Researchers eventually gave the species a name: Douglassarachne acanthopoda. The genus name pays tribute to the Douglass family, who contributed the specimen to Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. The species name highlights the unique spines that distinguish this particular arachnid.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of Douglassarachne acanthopoda, an enigmatic and extinct arachnid with spiky legs from the Carboniferous Period, has captured my imagination. Its unique combination of spider-like features and unusual spines raises fascinating questions about its behavior and ecology. Despite the lack of mouthparts, its defensive spines suggest it may have been a formidable prey item, possibly fending off predators with its prickly exterior.
The absence of mouthparts hinders our ability to classify Douglassarachne acanthopoda within known arachnid orders, leaving researchers to speculate on its evolutionary relationships. Its potential affinity with the larger group that includes spiders, whip spiders, and whip scorpions underscores the diversity of arachnid lineages that have existed throughout Earth's history. The possibility of future discoveries of similar species in Northern Europe highlights the importance of continued fossil exploration to uncover the enigmatic creatures that inhabited our planet millions of years ago.
