Scorpion Fossil, 125 million years old, discovered in China, casting light on the predators of the Mesozoic era

A fossil of 125 million years of a kind of previously unknown scorpion was unearthed in northeastern China. The discovery, which marks the first mesozoic era scorpion fossil found in the country, provided information about the early evolution of these arachnids. Measuring approximately 10 centimeters in length, scorpion is considered significantly higher than other known species of the same period. Her presence suggests that she played a crucial role in the food ecosystem of the Cretaceous, attacking small vertebrates and invertebrates.

Study Details

According to the to study Published in Science Bulletin on January 24, the fossil was discovered in the Yixian formation, a place known for its rich collection of fossils from the beginning of the Cretaceous. The researchers appointed the species Jeholia Longchengi, referring to Jehol Biota, an ecosystem that prospered between 133 and 120 million years ago. The second part of the name pays tribute to the Chaoyang district of Longcheng, where the fossil is currently housed.

Main features of Jeholia Longchengi

The scorpion displayed a pentagonal body shape, rounded breaths for breathing, elongated legs, and non -spoon thin tweezers. These characteristics are aligned with certain modern Asian scorpion families, although different differences have been observed. According to Huang Diying, a researcher at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, the size of J. Longchengi makes him unique among the scorpions of the Mesozoic era, most of which were considerably smaller. In an and email for live science, he declared that this species is significantly larger than the scorpions found earlier from that time.

Role in the ancient ecosystem

Jehol Biota fossil records indicate a diverse ecosystem with dinosaursmammals, birds and insects. The presence of J. Longchengi suggests that he probably attacked smaller creatures, including spiders, insects, amphibians and possibly small lizards or mammals. Although the scorpion’s oral pieces have not been preserved, making the final food analysis challenging, its size and structure indicate a predatory role. Talking For Xinhua, Huang noted that if species existed today, it could serve as a natural predator to several small animals, including young vertebrates.

Rarity of terrestrial scorpion fossils

The discovery is significant due to the rarity of fossilized terrestrial scorpions, as they usually reside under rocks and decaying vegetation, limiting their chances of fossilization. The best known mesozoic scorpion fossils were found wrapped in amber, making this a rare case of a well -preserved sample in sedimentary rocks.

THE fossil It is currently housed at the Fossil Valley Museum in Chaoyang, China, where additional studies can provide additional information on its ecological meaning.