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Fossil Whip-Spider from the Crato formation, Brazil
Here's a rare find, and at the bargain bin at the Smithsonian Museum of
Natural History's Bargain Bin no less!
The Crato member of the Santana formation of Brazil is known for very well
preserved insects and arachnids. Many amazing scorpion fossil have been found
there, but there have been very few Whip-Spider ( Amblypygi ) fossils. In fact,
I think I only know of 4 others.
While this specimen is missing the two large front legs, it does have other long
legs, a segmented body, and two folded pedipalps in front of the body. The body
length is 1 cm with a legspan of 2.3 cm.
A very unique fossil indeed! Special thanks to Curator and Arachnid specialist
Jason Dunlop for help with the identification!
Currently this specimen is in my collection until I figure out what to do with
it. If any museums are interested, please contact me!
The whip-spider up close.
With parts outlined.
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