Jaekelopterus

Jaekelopterus is an extinct genus of eurypterids from the Lower Devonian period. The two species are J. rhenaniae from the Rhineland, and J. howelli from Wyoming.

 Etymology 
The name Jaekelopterus comes from the discoverer of the type species, Otto Jaekel, and Greek pteron, meaning "wing".

 Description 
Jaekelopterus is the largest sea scorpions and is possibly the largest arthropod to have ever existed, this is based on a chelicera that is 36.4 cm long.

 Characteristics 
This sea scorpion is similar to other types of pterygotid in its morphology, distinguished by a triangular telson.

 Visual system 
Both Jaekelopterus rhenaniae and Pterygotus anglicus have high visual acuity, and this is suggested by the low IOA and that they have many lenses in their compound eyes.

 Classification 

 Discovery 
Jaekelopterus was discovered by Otto Jaekel in 1914 as a Pterygotus species. However, in 1964, British paleontologist Charles D. Waterston decided to make the genus Jaekelopterus because the abdominal appendages were segmented as opposed to those of Pterygotus.

 Species 

 †Jaekelopterus rhenaniae Jaekel, 1914
 †Jaekelopterus howelli Kjellesvig-Waering & Størmer, 1952

 Gallery 

 Related pages 

 Megarachne
 Pterygotus
 Eurypterus

 References 

 Other websites 

 https://eweb.furman.edu/~wworthen/bio440/evolweb/devonian/jaekelopterus.htm
Category:Devonian
Category:Chelicerata
Category:Animals of Europe
Category:Animals of North America