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Mazon Creek Best Of The Best Mazoscolopendra Richardsoni Mundel, 1979
RCFossils posted a topic in Member Collections
There are 3 species of centipede described from the Mazon Creek Deposit. Mazoscolopendra is one of 2 described Scolopendromorphs. The second being Palenarthrus impressus. The main difference being Mazoscolopendra having 21 body segments and Palenarthrus having 23. It is interesting to note that while centipede translates to 100 feet, all known centipedes have an odd number of segments. Mazoscolopendra is essentially indistinguishable from modern day scolopendromorphs. Modern types have Front legs modified into fangs that inject venom into their prey. Some species are known to prey on birds, mice and even bats. It is assumed that Mazoscolopendra had a similar venom. A few modern types of Scolopendra are the only known aquatic centipedes. While Mazoscolopendra is found in both the Braidwood and Essex portions of the deposit, it is believed that it was strictly terrestrial. While some modern Scolopendridae can reach lengths of over 25 centimeters, the largest recorded length of Mazoscolopendra was around 5 centimeters. I do have a larger example in my collection that measures over 7 centimeters. Centipedes are a very rare component of the Mazon Creek Deposit. Based on the relative abundance study that I have referenced in previous posts, they make up approximately.002% of all Essex fossils. Out of approximately 230,000 concretions collected, 2 specimens were found. This first specimen was collected at Pit 11 and has been prepped to expose more of the animal.- 14 replies
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