Saperion glumaceum, Exceptionally Rare Arthropod from Chengjiang


Saperion glumaceum

Phylum Arthropoda

Geologic Time: Early Cambrian (~525 million years ago)

Size: 53 mm long

Fossil Site: Chengjiang Maotianshan Shales, Quiongzhusi Section, Yu’anshan Member, Heilinpu Formation, Ercaicun Village, Haikou County, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China


Saperion glumaceumThis exceptionally rare arthropod is known as Saperion glumaceum. The species is known from very few Saperioncompressed examples with little to no relief. Saperion is similar to Kuamaia and Skioldia, but readily distinguished from them by the lack of marginal spines and a more elongated body outline. This ventrally preserved example shows some of the appendages.

Also see: Chengjiang Biota Cambrian Explosion


click fossil pictures to enlarge


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