Scientists discover giant millipede the size of a car
This enormous animal was roughly the same size as a car, you know. A colossal creature of similar dimensions did, however, exist around 340 million years ago.
Having been discovered, we now have an understanding of the appearance of the Arthropleura's head.
Prior to this discovery, scientists could not observe the size of the creature's head due to fossilized exoskeletons, but these provided no additional information about the Arthropleura's facial layout.
This significant discovery has at last unravelled the enigma surrounding the link between this ancient arthropod and its modern counterparts that had continued to puzzle experts.
The Arthropleura inhabited the tropical forests close to the equator during the late Palaeozoic era, spanning a period of approximately 56 million years, from 346 to 290 million years ago.
In terms of size, the insect is capable of reaching an enormous length of up to 8.5 feet and weighing significantly more than 45 kilograms. When comparing its anatomy to a millipede, it appears to share many physical characteristics. However, research has revealed that its head structure is distinctly similar to that of a centipede.
While studying the fossils, the team employed advanced CT scanning techniques to create a detailed model of the creature's head.
Scientists have since confirmed that the fossil finds first reveal that the creature's head is spherical in shape and is adorned with not one but two brief, bulb-shaped antennae.
The creature had a vent on its head from which it would release its outer casing.
According to Michael Lheritier, one of the study's leading researchers, this groundbreaking finding has shed more light on the Arthropleura's characteristics. He pointed out, "It appears that this creature had a millipede-type body, but its head is most similar to that of a centipede."
There had been ancient two-inch-long fossil discoveries made in a French coal mine in the 1980s. With CT scanning, the researchers were able to carry out an analysis on these fossils without risking them being damaged.
"We've had a longstanding desire to observe what the head of this creature resembles," comments paleontologist Dr James Lamsdell, though he wasn't involved in the research.
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