Hibbertopterus lamsdelli

The discovery of Hibbertopterus lamsdelli, a species of giant sea scorpion, has recently been made in New Mexico. This species lived during the Kasimovian age of the Carboniferous period, approximately 307 to 303 million years ago.

Taxonomy

Hibbertopterus lamsdelli belonged to the Hibbertopteridae family, an extinct group of aquatic arthropods, and the order Eurypterida. It is the 4th and the most reliable record of an American hibbertopterid sea scorpion.

Physical Characteristics

This species of sea scorpion was estimated to be about 1.1 meters long, making it one of the largest sea scorpions discovered. The diet of Hibbertopterus lamsdelli is believed to have included small crustaceans, invertebrate larvae, and ostracodes.

Habitat

Hibbertopterus lamsdelli likely lived in a marine-influenced estuary that was fed by a river delta. This type of environment would have provided the sea scorpion with a steady food supply and protected it from the open ocean.

Importance of discovery

The discovery of Hibbertopterus lamsdelli sheds light on the diversity of life during the Carboniferous period and the evolution of sea scorpions. Further study of this species and its habitat can provide valuable insights into ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of arthropods.