Devonobius delta is a Devonian centipede from the Panther Mountain Formation of New York, and the only member of the order Devonobiomorpha,[2] and therefore the family Devonobiidae and genus Devonobius. The species is known from at least thirty specimens from the aforementioned location in New York.[2]
| Devonobius Temporal range:
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| Fossil specimens of Devonobius | |
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| Diagram of known parts of Devonobius | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Chilopoda |
| Order: | †Devonobiomorpha Shear & Bonamo, 1988 |
| Family: | †Devonobiidae Shear & Bonamo, 1988 |
| Genus: | †Devonobius Shear & Bonamo, 1988 |
| Species: | †D. delta
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| Binomial name | |
| †Devonobius delta Shear & Bonamo, 1988[1]
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Description
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Devonobius is known from several fragmentary specimens, mostly consisting of the head and maxillipeds. However, a few specimens have preserved body segments, with one preserving at least 14, although even this specimen is incomplete. It had at least 14 antennal segments, however the preserved antennae are also incomplete. Devonobius was likely small, under 1 cm (0.39 in) long, however as aforementioned the body is incomplete. It is distinguished from other centipedes by various coxosternal features on the maxillipeds, such as the lack of lateral division, and among modern centipede orders it is likely close to Craterostigmomorpha. The head lacks eyes and a Tömösváry organ, with the maxillipeds robust and mandibles moderately reduced. As no genitals are preserved, the sex of any individuals is unclear, however one specimen shows more robust maxillipeds, similar to those of male lithobiomorphs.[2]
Ecology
editThe ventral apodemes of Devonobius suggest it was adapted to prey on relatively large animals, due to them pulling the maxillipeds away and allowing the other mouthparts to contact with larger food items. The most complete specimen shows prominent heterotergy, likely an adaptation for flexibility and living in tight spaces.[2]
Etymology
editThe name Devonobius derives from the Devonian and the suffix "-bius" commonly used for centipedes. The specific name delta refers to the Catskill Delta of the Devonian, where the species lived.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Devonobius delta Shear & Bonamo, 1988". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Bonamo, P. M.; Shear, William A. (1988). "Devonobiomorpha, a new order of centipeds (Chilopoda) from the Middle Devonian of Gilboa, New York State, USA, and the phylogeny of centiped orders". American Museum Novitates (2927) – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.