Hallipterus Temporal range:
Devonian,
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Carapace of H. excelsior | |
Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
Order: | † Eurypterida |
Superfamily: | † Kokomopteroidea |
Family: | † Hardieopteridae |
Genus: | †
Hallipterus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1963 |
Type species | |
†Hallipterus excelsior Hall, 1884
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Synonyms | |
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Hallipterus is a genus of prehistoric eurypterid classified as part of the family Hardieopteridae. [1]
Hallipterus was a gigantic Hardieopterid eurypterid. Though some previous estimates have placed its size at over 1.5 meters in length, these were likely excessive. [1] Still, assigned specimens suggest a size of over 1 meter long. [1]
The carapace was subelliptical, greater in length than in width, with a prominent and unornamented marginal rim. The eyes were very small, close to each other and separated by a prominent median ridge with large ocelli at the posterior extremity. [2]
The chelicerae were simple and elongated. The first walking legs possessed flat and movable spines. The rest of the legs and the opisthosoma remain unknown. [2]
Hallipterus contains one valid species, H. excelsior, from the Devonian of New York. [3] Another species was once recognized from similarly aged deposits in Pennsylvania, "H. lacoanus", [2] but it is today seen as synonymous with H. excelsior. [1]