The 450-million-year-old fossilized corpse of a new spider species was discovered preserved in gold. A research team from the University of Oxford discovered the fossil in New York's Beecher Trilobite Bed, a rock layer famous for hosting many well-preserved fossils.
Scientists determined that the new species is distantly related to other arthropods such as horseshoe crabs and scorpions. BBC. They belong to a group of arthropods called megacheirans, which have a large leg on the front of their bodies to catch prey.
Scientists say the new species illuminates previously unknown facts about the evolutionary progression of arthropods and how parts of animals' heads evolve.
The specimen has crustacean-like antennae, as well as pincers and fangs commonly found in spiders and scorpions. The discovery of sharp bristles also tells scientists that they used their front legs to explore their environment rather than trap prey.
NEW: @OxUniEarthSci Researchers have uncovered a spectacular new fossil arthropod (the group that includes spiders, centipedes and beetles) that is 450 million years old.
Besides being a remarkable-looking new scientific species, the specimens are completely protected by fool's gold. pic.twitter.com/QFiHMuiBPo
– University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) 31 October 2024
Due to the low-oxygen environment in which the species lived, fool's gold, also known as iron pyrite, was able to populate the arthropod's body parts after burial. Luke Parry, associate professor in Oxford's Department of Earth Sciences, described the fossil as “remarkably preserved”.
“Part of the key to this success is their highly adaptable heads and appendages, which adapt to a variety of challenges like a biological Swiss army knife,” Parry explained. “In addition to having a beautiful and striking golden color, these fossils are magnificently preserved.”
The new species was named lomankus edgecombei in honor of arthropod expert Greg Edgecombe, who works at the Natural History Museum in London.