calum'sfossils
Diplichnites (Arthropleura sp.)
Age: 337-330Ma
Visean Age
Middle Mississippian Epoch
Carboniferous Period - Giant arthropods and amphibians, early reptiles, most plants fern or lycophyte-like, known for tropical forests and seas
Paleozoic Era - pre-Dinosaurs
Location: Crail
Fife
Scotland
Rock Type: a sand or siltstone-like member of the Pittenweem Formation.
Species:
Arthropleura is an extinct genus of giant millipede-like arthropods that lived during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods, approximately 340 to 280 million years ago. It belongs to the class Diplopoda within the broader phylum Arthropoda. Diplopods are characterized by their segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per segment, which distinguishes them from other arthropods.
Arthropleura was a member of the family Arthropleuridae, a group known for its remarkable size compared to other millipedes. While many modern diplopods are relatively small, Arthropleura stands out as the largest known invertebrate of its time. Related species within the Arthropleuridae family varied considerably in size, but they were generally much larger than contemporary millipedes. For example, some relatives like Plegmatopeltis were also large but not to the same extent as Arthropleura.
Arthropleura itself reached lengths of up to 2.5 metres, making it an extraordinary example of gigantism in invertebrates. Its size and ecological role have made it a subject of great interest among paleontologists. Initially, it was believed that Arthropleura was a herbivore, feeding on plant material, which was consistent with the lush, tropical environments of the Carboniferous period where it lived. However, more recent research suggests that its diet might have been more varied, potentially including detritus and even smaller animals, due to evidence in preserved gut material.
Arthropleura inhabited swampy, humid environments with dense vegetation, characteristic of the Carboniferous forests. These ancient rainforests provided ample resources for its enormous size, including the large amounts of plant material needed to sustain it, and a high-oxygen environment useful for the simple respiratory and circulatory systems of arthropods. The decline of Arthropleura, along with other giant arthropods, is thought to be related to climatic changes and the evolution of new predators and competitors during the Permian period.
In terms of fossil evidence, the genus is known from a variety of sources, including ichnofossils such as impressions of their body segments and tracks. Notable among these are the fossil trackways known as Diplichnites, which are believed to be left by Arthropleura. Even the body fossils of this species are all thought to have been exuviae (molting shells) instead of carcasses. It is also generally considered that most reconstructions of arthropleura have been incorrect in that, for a long time, the foremost segment found was thought to have been the head, while later evidence suggests that this is the next segment behind the head, called the collum. The actual head meay have been tucked below this as it is in many modern millipedes, and its shape can only be inferred by related fossil genera such as Microdecemplex.
Diplopoda, commonly known as millipedes, belong to the phylum Arthropoda, which includes invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages. Diplopoda is a diverse class within the subphylum Myriapoda, which also includes centipedes (Class Chilopoda). Millipedes are characterized by having elongated bodies composed of numerous segments, each typically bearing two pairs of legs, which is a defining feature that sets them apart from centipedes, who have only one pair of legs per segment.
Diplopods are detritivores, feeding primarily on decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter, wood, and plant debris. Their role as decomposers makes them an essential part of many ecosystems, contributing to soil health by breaking down dead plant material. Some species, however, can consume live plant material and may become minor agricultural pests.
Millipedes possess a cylindrical or flattened body, depending on the species, and their length can range from just a few millimeters to over 30 centimetres in some tropical species. Despite their name, millipedes do not have a thousand legs; the number of legs varies from fewer than 100 to over 750, depending on the species.
The body of a millipede is divided into two main regions: the head and the trunk. The head bears a pair of antennae, simple eyes (ocelli), and mouthparts designed for chewing. The trunk is made up of numerous segments, with each segment known as a diplosegment due to the fusion of two original segments, resulting in two pairs of legs per segment. This characteristic body structure gives them a slow, coordinated movement.
Millipedes are known for their defense mechanisms, which primarily involve rolling into a tight spiral to protect their vulnerable undersides. Additionally, many species secrete toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide, to deter predators. These chemicals can be noxious or irritating to the skin and eyes of potential threats.
Reproduction in millipedes is internal, and males often transfer sperm via specialized leg-like structures called gonopods. After fertilization, females lay eggs in the soil or decaying organic matter. Millipede larvae hatch with only a few legless segments and gradually develop additional segments and legs through successive molts as they grow.
Millipedes have a long evolutionary history, with fossil evidence suggesting they first appeared in the Silurian period around 428 million years ago. They were among the earliest terrestrial animals, with some Carboniferous species growing to lengths of over 2 meters, making them among the largest land invertebrates ever known.
Diplopoda is divided into several orders, including Julida, Polydesmida, Spirobolida, and Glomerida, among others. These orders are distinguished by variations in body form, habitat preferences, and reproductive strategies.
Millipedes are found in a wide variety of habitats, from temperate forests to tropical rainforests, grasslands, and even deserts. They tend to thrive in moist environments, as they are prone to desiccation, making them common in leaf litter, under rocks, and in the soil.
Diplichnites (Arthropleura sp.)
Age: 337-330Ma
Visean Age
Middle Mississippian Epoch
Carboniferous Period - Giant arthropods and amphibians, early reptiles, most plants fern or lycophyte-like, known for tropical forests and seas
Paleozoic Era - pre-Dinosaurs
Location: Crail
Fife
Scotland
Rock Type: a sand or siltstone-like member of the Pittenweem Formation.
Species:
Arthropleura is an extinct genus of giant millipede-like arthropods that lived during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods, approximately 340 to 280 million years ago. It belongs to the class Diplopoda within the broader phylum Arthropoda. Diplopods are characterized by their segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per segment, which distinguishes them from other arthropods.
Arthropleura was a member of the family Arthropleuridae, a group known for its remarkable size compared to other millipedes. While many modern diplopods are relatively small, Arthropleura stands out as the largest known invertebrate of its time. Related species within the Arthropleuridae family varied considerably in size, but they were generally much larger than contemporary millipedes. For example, some relatives like Plegmatopeltis were also large but not to the same extent as Arthropleura.
Arthropleura itself reached lengths of up to 2.5 metres, making it an extraordinary example of gigantism in invertebrates. Its size and ecological role have made it a subject of great interest among paleontologists. Initially, it was believed that Arthropleura was a herbivore, feeding on plant material, which was consistent with the lush, tropical environments of the Carboniferous period where it lived. However, more recent research suggests that its diet might have been more varied, potentially including detritus and even smaller animals, due to evidence in preserved gut material.
Arthropleura inhabited swampy, humid environments with dense vegetation, characteristic of the Carboniferous forests. These ancient rainforests provided ample resources for its enormous size, including the large amounts of plant material needed to sustain it, and a high-oxygen environment useful for the simple respiratory and circulatory systems of arthropods. The decline of Arthropleura, along with other giant arthropods, is thought to be related to climatic changes and the evolution of new predators and competitors during the Permian period.
In terms of fossil evidence, the genus is known from a variety of sources, including ichnofossils such as impressions of their body segments and tracks. Notable among these are the fossil trackways known as Diplichnites, which are believed to be left by Arthropleura. Even the body fossils of this species are all thought to have been exuviae (molting shells) instead of carcasses. It is also generally considered that most reconstructions of arthropleura have been incorrect in that, for a long time, the foremost segment found was thought to have been the head, while later evidence suggests that this is the next segment behind the head, called the collum. The actual head meay have been tucked below this as it is in many modern millipedes, and its shape can only be inferred by related fossil genera such as Microdecemplex.
Diplopoda, commonly known as millipedes, belong to the phylum Arthropoda, which includes invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages. Diplopoda is a diverse class within the subphylum Myriapoda, which also includes centipedes (Class Chilopoda). Millipedes are characterized by having elongated bodies composed of numerous segments, each typically bearing two pairs of legs, which is a defining feature that sets them apart from centipedes, who have only one pair of legs per segment.
Diplopods are detritivores, feeding primarily on decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter, wood, and plant debris. Their role as decomposers makes them an essential part of many ecosystems, contributing to soil health by breaking down dead plant material. Some species, however, can consume live plant material and may become minor agricultural pests.
Millipedes possess a cylindrical or flattened body, depending on the species, and their length can range from just a few millimeters to over 30 centimetres in some tropical species. Despite their name, millipedes do not have a thousand legs; the number of legs varies from fewer than 100 to over 750, depending on the species.
The body of a millipede is divided into two main regions: the head and the trunk. The head bears a pair of antennae, simple eyes (ocelli), and mouthparts designed for chewing. The trunk is made up of numerous segments, with each segment known as a diplosegment due to the fusion of two original segments, resulting in two pairs of legs per segment. This characteristic body structure gives them a slow, coordinated movement.
Millipedes are known for their defense mechanisms, which primarily involve rolling into a tight spiral to protect their vulnerable undersides. Additionally, many species secrete toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide, to deter predators. These chemicals can be noxious or irritating to the skin and eyes of potential threats.
Reproduction in millipedes is internal, and males often transfer sperm via specialized leg-like structures called gonopods. After fertilization, females lay eggs in the soil or decaying organic matter. Millipede larvae hatch with only a few legless segments and gradually develop additional segments and legs through successive molts as they grow.
Millipedes have a long evolutionary history, with fossil evidence suggesting they first appeared in the Silurian period around 428 million years ago. They were among the earliest terrestrial animals, with some Carboniferous species growing to lengths of over 2 meters, making them among the largest land invertebrates ever known.
Diplopoda is divided into several orders, including Julida, Polydesmida, Spirobolida, and Glomerida, among others. These orders are distinguished by variations in body form, habitat preferences, and reproductive strategies.
Millipedes are found in a wide variety of habitats, from temperate forests to tropical rainforests, grasslands, and even deserts. They tend to thrive in moist environments, as they are prone to desiccation, making them common in leaf litter, under rocks, and in the soil.