Scientists have made an exciting discovery in France that sheds light on the appearance of a giant millipede-like bug that roamed the ancient forests of Scotland 300 million years ago. This creature, known as Arthropleura, was a massive arthropod that could grow up to 10 feet in length and had up to 64 legs. While researchers had previously found traces of its shell and footprints, the bug’s head had remained a mystery until now.
The recent discovery of two well-preserved fossils in France has provided scientists with a glimpse of what the Arthropleura’s face looked like. The bug’s head was revealed to be round with two short bell-shaped antennae and eyes that protruded on stalks, similar to a crab. This unique appearance has raised questions about whether the creature could have navigated both land and water.
Researchers believe that Arthropleura likely fed on rotting leaves and bark on the forest floor, given the small, leaf-grinding mouth they observed on the fossil. The bug’s body resembled that of a millipede, while its head had characteristics of a centipede, making it a fascinating ancestor to modern-day slaters, millipedes, and centipedes.
Although the largest Arthropleura specimens may have rivaled cars in size, the fossils found in France were of juvenile bugs measuring only about 2 inches. Despite their smaller size, these fossils offered valuable insights into what adult Arthropleura may have looked like. By using CT scans to study the hidden details of the fossils without damaging them, researchers were able to reconstruct a model of the bug’s head for the first time.
This discovery marks a significant milestone in the study of prehistoric creatures and provides a clearer picture of the diverse and fascinating life forms that once inhabited our planet. The Arthropleura’s unique features and massive size make it a compelling subject for further research and exploration into the ancient ecosystems of Scotland and beyond.