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3-Foot Devonian Scorpion Identified, Revealed Semi-Aquatic Lifestyle

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Richard Howard announced the Devonian scorpion Praearcturus, 3 ft long with six-inch pincers, lived in England and Wales about 415 million years ago.
CT scans and 3D modeling of 1870s Herefordshire fossils revealed scorpion features, correcting earlier crustacean identification.
Matching a UK sternum to Canadian 2015 remains confirmed Praearcturus as a distinct species.
Dr. Greg Edgecombe said flap-like epimera indicate semiaquatic habits, suggesting the scorpion adapted to water.

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Story summary

Dr. Richard Howard announced the Devonian scorpion Praearcturus, 3 ft long with six-inch pincers, lived in England and Wales about 415 million years ago.
CT scans and 3D modeling of 1870s Herefordshire fossils revealed scorpion features, correcting earlier crustacean identification.
Matching a UK sternum to Canadian 2015 remains confirmed Praearcturus as a distinct species.
Dr. Greg Edgecombe said flap-like epimera indicate semiaquatic habits, suggesting the scorpion adapted to water.