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A new sea scorpion (Arthropoda, Eurypterida) from the Early Devonian of Willwerath (Rhineland-Palatinate, SW Germany)

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Abstract

A new eurypterid specimen from the Early Devonian of Willwerath is described. The character combination seen in this fossil suggests that it is probably an adelophthalmoid eurypterid morphologically not unlike the co-occurring Parahughmilleria. However, it differs in many respects and a new genus and species, Pruemopterus salgadoi gen. et sp. nov., is proposed to accommodate this fossil. This finding underpins the importance of Willwerath as a eurypterid Lagerstätte with respect to exceptional preservation and high diversity.

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Acknowledgements

I thank Peter Müller (Freilingen), Dr. Klaus-Werner Wenndorf (Braubach), Dr. Herbert Lutz and Thomas Engel (both Landessammlung für Naturkunde Mainz) for providing access to specimens in their care. The thorough and helpful reviews of Drs. Jason A. Dunlop (Berlin) and James C. Lamsdell (Morgantown) and the comments of the editors Drs. Joachim T. Haug and Mike Reich (both Munich) served to improve the manuscript. I am grateful to all these people.

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  1. Direktion Landesarchäologie/Erdgeschichte, Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe RLP, Niederberger Höhe 1, 56077, Koblenz, Germany

    Markus J. Poschmann

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  1. Markus J. Poschmann
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Correspondence to Markus J. Poschmann.

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Handling Editor: Joachim T. Haug.

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Poschmann, M.J. A new sea scorpion (Arthropoda, Eurypterida) from the Early Devonian of Willwerath (Rhineland-Palatinate, SW Germany). PalZ 95, 17–26 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-020-00519-6

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