Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
After nearly 170 years, mystery insects the largest ever to live on Earth is finally revealed. The insect is known as Arthropleura.
The Arthropleura fossil found in France is an ancient insect that lived around 346 million years ago in equatorial forests or areas in tropical climates with high rainfall and humidity.
A team of French paleontologists discovered that Arthropleura had a body similar to a millipede, but with a head that resembled a centipede.
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“We found that it had a body like a millipede, but a head like a centipede,” said Mickael Lheritier, a paleontologist from Claude Bernard Lyon University to the Associated Press, as reported by Science Alert, Thursday (17/10).
Some fossils of Arthropleura species are even up to 2.6 meters long. With a body 2.6 meters long, Arthropleura is the largest insect ever discovered. The second is occupied by sea scorpions which are about 2.5 meters long.
Many Arthropleura fossils were found in North America and Europe after its first discovery in 1854. At that time, experts had not succeeded in uncovering this type of fossil. Some experts even suspect they may be related to giant shrimp-type crustaceans.
The head of Arthropleura reveals some of the typical characteristics of millipedes such as antennae, separate mouth parts and so on.
Interestingly, they also have stalked eyes which may be compound in nature. These eyes are not possessed by millipedes or centipedes which may indicate an adaptation to a semi-aquatic life.
“The stalked eyes found on the specimen in Montceau may indicate a semi-aquatic lifestyle,” the expert wrote in the journal.
Meanwhile, experts say that Arthropleura is the ancestor of millipedes and centipedes. Despite its giant size, this animal is believed to eat animal carcasses to survive.
(wis/what)
[Gambas:Video CNN]
The Arthropleura: Nature’s Very Own Behemoth Bug
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — The wait is over, folks! After nearly 170 years of suspense, we finally meet Arthropleura, the colossal creature that ruled the Earth long before we started hunting for bugs in our gardens! This ancient behemoth has been unearthed in France, and let me tell you, it’s larger than most of your ex’s excuses!
A Walk Down Memory Lane – 346 Million Years Ago!
The Arthropleura wasn’t just your average creepy-crawler; it was an arthropod that strutted its stuff around 346 million years ago when equatorial forests were the places to be. High humidity? Check. Tropical climates? Absolutely! If only it had a social media presence, it would have been the influencer of its time with a hashtag like #GiantInsectGoals.
It’s Like a Millipede and a Centipede Had a Baby
Picture this: a body reminiscent of a millipede and a head that gives centipedes a run for their money. The paleontologist Mickael Lheritier from Claude Bernard Lyon University described it perfectly, and I can’t help but wonder if this is how arthropods did their family tree – “Head of Centipede, Body of Millipede – let’s call it a day and grab a snack!”
Fun Fact: Some fossils of Arthropleura reached lengths of up to 2.6 meters – that’s about as long as a small child! Just imagine your kid nagging you to buy something as long as them at the market!
The Fossil Hunt: From Mystery to Discovery
The quest for Arthropleura fossils began way back in 1854, and where did they find the best specimens? North America and Europe, of course! It’s like the arthropod equivalent of a global tour—except this one lasted for nearly two centuries with no selfies allowed!
What’s Behind That Head?
Arthropleura’s head is not just a pretty face; it boasts some fascinating features typical of millipedes – complete with antennae and separate mouth parts. But hold onto your nostalgia, because it also has stalked eyes that might just shout, “Look at me! I come from an era when everything was bigger, including my eyesight!”
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Living on the Edge…of the Water!
Here’s the kicker: these eyes suggest a semi-aquatic lifestyle. That’s right! Imagine this giant bug making its way to the local watering hole for a drink while the other insects scatter away. Who needs a pond party when you’re 2.6 meters of creeping terror?
Family Ties and Eating Habits
Experts believe that Arthropleura is the great-granddaddy of millipedes and centipedes. Despite its gargantuan size, let’s not forget its table manners: it feasted on animal carcasses to get by. Talk about an insect that truly embodies the phrase, “one man’s trash is another man’s dinner!”
Final Thoughts: As we celebrate the revelation of this prehistoric wonder, let’s all raise a glass (of bug spray) to the Arthropleura, the giant from the past who reminds us that while today’s bugs may be annoying, at least we don’t have to compete with 2.6 meters of ancient insect might!
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