Evolution of mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda, Malacostraca) in the light of new Mesozoic fossils.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We describe new specimens of Mesozoic mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda, Malacostraca) that exhibit morphological and developmental information previously unknown.

Results

Specimens assigned to the taxon Sculda exhibit preserved pleopods, thoracopods including all four raptorial limbs as well as details of antennae and antennulae. The pleopods and the antennulae resemble those of the modern mantis shrimps, but the raptorial limbs are not as differentiated as in the modern species. In some specimens, the first raptorial limb (second thoracopod) is not significantly larger than the similar-sized posterior three pairs (as in extant species), but instead these appendages become progressively smaller along the series. In this respect they resemble certain Palaeozoic stomatop

SUBMITTER: Haug JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2955030 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature