1915/09/01 by Xavier Stainier · 7 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Fossil Insects in Amber #Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy #Collembola Taxonomy and Ecology Studies #Coal #Environmental science #Geography #Archaeology
paper · open access · doi:10.1144/gsl.jgs.1915.071.01-04.24
published in Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society 71(1-4), 639-647 (Geological Society of London)
openalex publication_date 1915/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Remains of Eurypterus are quite uncommon in the Coal Measures, and more especially in Belgium, where, until recently, none had been recorded. When studying, with R. P. G. Schmitz, the cores of one of the numerous trial-borings put down in the new Campine Coalfield of Northern Belgium, we found a beautiful specimen belonging, without any doubt, to this interesting genus of fossil Merostomata. We recorded this discovery some years ago (Schmitz & Stainier, 1910). Availing myself of the opportunity of examining the excellent material available in England, the classic country for fossil Crustacea, I now venture to publish a description of the new species. The splitting of the cores has disclosed the crustacean lying amid scattered remains of undeterminable plants on a fine-grained, greyish-brown, micaceous shale. The animal has the same dark coloration as the surrounding plants. Owing to a blow of the hammer, the counterpart of the fossil is fractured and incomplete, and therefore of little use for palæontological purposes. But, fortunately, the impression of the dorsal aspect is in an excellent condition. It is to be regretted that the fossil has been partly destroyed by the diamond drill, the consequence being that some portion of its abdomen and the entire telson are altogether wanting. Dimensions:—This new species is one of the smallest Carboniferous Eurypterids known, its maximum length being only 33 millimetres and its maximum breadth 12 mm. Cephalic shield.—Length=8 mm. Breadth at the posterior border=11 mm. The head is not the best-preserved part of the fossil, and