In a stunning discovery, scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a prehistoric millipede that was even larger than the previously known largest invertebrate, the sea scorpion. The Arthropleura, as it has been named, was a massive creature that measured approximately 2.7 meters in length and weighed around 50 kilograms. The fossil was discovered by chance in Howick Bay in Northumberland, England, when a large sandstone rock broke off from a cliff, revealing the perfectly preserved remains of the Arthropleura. The team of researchers, led by Neil S. Davies, published their findings in the Journal of Geological Society, stating that the millipede lived during the Carboniferous period, around 326 million years ago, in a tropical climate.
Like most invertebrates, the Arthropleura lived near bodies of water, where it likely fed on smaller invertebrates and plants. The researchers have only discovered three fossils of the Arthropleura so far, with the other two being much smaller than the one found in England. The lack of a fossilized head makes it difficult to determine exactly what the creature ate, but the researchers speculate that it may have fed on nutrient-rich nuts and seeds found in the leaf litter. It is also possible that the Arthropleura was a predator, feeding on other invertebrates and possibly even small amphibians.
Despite its massive size, the Arthropleura was not the only giant invertebrate of its time. The sea scorpion, which was previously thought to be the largest invertebrate, was also a formidable creature that measured up to 2.5 meters in length. The researchers believe that the Arthropleura’s size may have been due to the high oxygen levels in the atmosphere during the Carboniferous period, which allowed for larger invertebrates to thrive. However, the exact reason for its size remains a mystery.
The Arthropleura lived for approximately 45 million years before becoming extinct during the Permian period. The cause of its extinction is unknown, but it is possible that the changing climate and the emergence of new reptilian predators may have played a role. The discovery of this massive millipede sheds new light on the diversity of life that existed on Earth millions of years ago and highlights the importance of continued research into our planet’s prehistoric past.
