''Cambropycnogon'' is an extinct genus of pycnogonid

arthropods Arthropods ( ) are invertebrates in the phylum Arthropoda. They possess an arthropod exoskeleton, exoskeleton with a cuticle made of chitin, often Mineralization (biology), mineralised with calcium carbonate, a body with differentiated (Metam ...

. The genus contains a single species, ''Cambropycnogon klausmuelleri'', represented by presumed larval remains from the Upper Cambrian

Orsten The Orsten fauna are fossilized organisms preserved in the Orsten lagerstätte of Cambrian (Late Miaolingian to Furongian) rocks, notably at Kinnekulle and on the island of Öland, all in Sweden. The initial site, discovered in 1975 by Klaus M� ...

, having been referred to before description as "Larva D".

Description

''Cambropycnogon'' is an early-stage pycnogonid larva (although this classification has been disputed) around 270 micrometers long, with three pairs of post-cheliceral appendages as well as the chelicerae that mark it as a possible pycnogonid. It also has two large caudal growths from its posterior end, the purpose of which is unknown. ''Cambropycnogon'' is covered in small spines roughly 1 micrometer long, as well as larger thorns behind its gnathobases. Its chelicerae are short and stout, resembling pincers, and the larva has a relatively large head shield. ''Cambropycnogon''s morphology matches that of early sea spider larvae such as the protonymph and semaphoront, with it being markedly distinct from all other Orsten fossils.

Etymology

''Cambropycnogon'' derives from its assumed position within Pycnogonida, as well as the fact that it dates from the Cambrian. Its specific name, ''klausmuelleri'' honours the discoverer of the Orsten, Dr. Klaus Müller.

Distribution

''Cambropycnogon'' is known from six specimens, all found in

Kinnekulle Kinnekulle is a flat-topped mountain in the county of Västergötland, southwestern Sweden, on the eastern shore of lake Vänern. Its highest point is above sea level. The mountain is long and wide at the top. Geology Despite its enormous ...

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q123255081 Pycnogonid genera Cambrian animals of Europe Cambrian genus extinctions Prehistoric arthropod genera