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An isolated pterygotid ramus (Chelicerata: Eurypterida) from the Devonian Beartooth Butte Formation, Wyoming

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

James C. Lamsdell
Affiliation:
1Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA,
David A. Legg
Affiliation:
2Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK

Abstract

An isolated ramus of the pterygotid eurypterid Jaekelopterus cf. howelli from the Early Devonian (Pragian) Beartooth Butte Formation (Cottonwood Canyon, north-western Wyoming) is described. Pterygotid taxonomy and synonymy is briefly discussed with the genera Pterygotus, Acutiramus and Jaekelopterus shown to be potential synonyms. The use of cheliceral denticulation patterns as a generic-level character is discouraged in light of variations within genera and its unsuitability as a major characteristic in the other eurypterid families.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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