Name: Archipolypoda; Euphoberiidae; Euphoberia tracta
Age: Pennsylvanian (~300 m.y.a.)
Size (25.4mm=1 inch): 40 mm long Matrix: 40 mm by 35 mm and 43 mm by 35 mm
Location: Francis Creek shale, Morris, Illinois (Mazon Creek)
 Description:
The Mazon Creek deposits of the region near Braidwood, Illinois rival
the other famous Lagerstatten of the Burgess Shale, Solnhofen, and
Liaoning for the variety of detailed life preserved. Many exquisitely-preserved
specimens are found in the ironstone nodules that make up the deposits.
The majority of collecting areas are the spoil heaps of abandoned
coal mines, the most famous of which is Peabody Coal Pit 11. Pit 11
now serves as a cooling pond for the Braidwood nuclear power plant,
but with over 100 other localities, specimens still come to light.
This fine example is one of the spiny millipedes known as Euphoberia
tracta. The fossil history of millipedes dates back to the Silurian,
with some fossil burrows which may be attributed to millipedes having
been found in the Devonian. Since millipedes live in habitats such
as moist forest floors, fossilization is a very chancy occurrence.
It is thought that they made the transition to fully terrestrial forms
early in their evolutionary history. These are thought to have led
a cursorial existence in more open habitats where their spines would
have aided in warding off would-be predators. |
