First record of eurypterids (Chelicerata, Eurypterida) from the Lower Devonian (Lower Emsian) Hunsruck Slate (SW Germany)

摘要

For the first time, fossils of unquestionable eurypterid origin are documented from the renowned Lower Devonian Hunsruck Slate Lagerstatte in southwestern Germany. The gnathobase of a coxal plate and a body segment can be attributed to pterygotid eurypterids, probably to Jaekelopterus rhenaniae. These body parts from the Hunsruck Slate once more confirm the extraordinary large size that could be attained by this Rhenish eurypterid. Based on the usual occurrence in marine-terrestrial transitional facies elsewhere in the Rhenish Devonian, rareness in the Hunsruck Slate, and poor preservation, the Hunsruck Slate pterygotid remains are most probably allochthonous, and eurypterids are considered nongenuine elements of the 'Hunsruck Slate biota.