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Devonian Giant Scorpion Confirmed: 3-Foot Fossil Hunts Amphibiously

6/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Richie Howard, curator at the Natural History Museum, confirmed Praearcturus gigas as a scorpion.
The Devonian fossil measured over a meter (about three feet) long with six-inch (16 cm) pincers.
Researchers suggest it lived amphibiously, hunting primitive fish in streams and small arthropods on land.
Jason Dunlop of the Museum für Naturkunde highlighted the absent tail sting and pectines, keeping its classification debated and requiring database updates.

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Story summary

Dr. Richie Howard, curator at the Natural History Museum, confirmed Praearcturus gigas as a scorpion.
The Devonian fossil measured over a meter (about three feet) long with six-inch (16 cm) pincers.
Researchers suggest it lived amphibiously, hunting primitive fish in streams and small arthropods on land.
Jason Dunlop of the Museum für Naturkunde highlighted the absent tail sting and pectines, keeping its classification debated and requiring database updates.