Brontoscorpio

Hypothetical reconstruction of a live Brontoscorpio, the two sea scorpions ( Eurypterida ) the nature Hughmilleri norvegica hunts.

Trimpley ( Worcestershire, England)

Brontoscorpio Anglicus was a genus of scorpions, who lived in the upper Silurian. Previously, a single fossil is only known to the insulated movable scissor fingers of a Pedipalpus, which was discovered during Trimpley in Worcestershire (England). Due to the very sparse Fund position description is not considered as a separate genus and species of all authors as useful.

Features

The scissors finger found pertaining to the proper Pedipalpus, is almost complete, curved and 9.75 inches long. Only at the top probably missing about 2.5 millimeters. Its base is triangular and 2 inches wide and 2.7 inches high. Its inside is filled with numerous rounded nodules up to six rows in the middle range from two to three rows at the ends. The outer side has a higher ridge having a plurality of protuberances in the basal part, and other irregularly distributed protuberances on both sides in the rear region of the finger. The finger inserted in contrast to those of modern scorpions with a simple hinge at the pointed side of the base, while the muscle was being done in the flat side. The total length of the animal was estimated on the basis of comparisons with today's scorpions to 77-94 centimeters.

Way of life

Brontoscorpio was found in terrestrial sediments, but is believed that he had to go into the water at least for the molting due to its size, but may also lived a total of amphibious or aquatic. Its size could have been on shore advantageous because large animals due to the smaller surface and the consequent lower evaporation can maintain their water balance easier upright in relation to the volume.