Largest Mesozoic Scorpion Fossil Discovered in China: Jeholialongchengi Fills Fossil Gap

Tech 2025-02-26 10:35:56 Source: Network

Largest Mesozoic Scorpion Fossil Discovered in China: Jeholialongchengi Fills Fossil GapOn February 26th, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced the discovery of a new Mesozoic scorpion fossil, Jeholialongchengi gen. et sp

Largest Mesozoic Scorpion Fossil Discovered in China: Jeholialongchengi Fills Fossil Gap

On February 26th, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced the discovery of a new Mesozoic scorpion fossil, Jeholialongchengi gen. et sp. nov., by researcher Huang Diying and doctoral student Xuan Qiang from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS. This is the first scorpion fossil reported from the Jehol Biota, filling a significant gap in the record of Mesozoic scorpions in China. The findings have been published in the international journal Science Bulletin.

Jeholialongchengi is named after its discovery location, Longcheng District, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, and is part of the Jehol Biota. Previously, only three scorpion fossils had been found in China: Sinomachus shandongensis from the Miocene of Shandong Province, Hubeivenator filipes from the Devonian of Hubei Province, and Archaeoscorpion from the Permian of Wuda, Inner Mongolia. In contrast to these previous discoveries, the Jeholialongchengi specimen is remarkably well-preserved, lacking only parts of the prosoma (head). Preserved in grayish-yellow mudstone, its morphology is clearly visible, including slender pedipalps, long tibiotarsi and tarsi, a pentagonal sternum, and a long metasoma (tail) with a venomous sting. These features allow its placement within the Buthida infraorder, though its family-level classification remains uncertain due to the absence of key features like setae and chelicerae.

Most notably, Jeholialongchengi is significantly larger than other known Mesozoic scorpion fossils worldwide. Measurements reveal a total length of 10 centimeters, classifying it as a relatively large scorpion. This discovery provides valuable new data for studying the body size evolution of Mesozoic scorpions. Its size suggests that Jeholialongchengi likely occupied a secondary or tertiary consumer role in the Jehol Biota food web, preying on insects and spiders, and possibly even the young of small vertebrates. Conversely, it may have served as prey for larger vertebrates, such as early birds, mammals, and dinosaurs.

To better understand Jeholialongchengi's role in the Jehol Biota ecosystem, researchers conducted a preliminary reconstruction of the food web. The results show that Jeholialongchengi possesses high "betweenness centrality," an indicator of a species' connectivity within a network. Higher values suggest more complex interactions with other species. The high betweenness centrality of Jeholialongchengi indicates intricate ecological interactions with numerous other species in the terrestrial ecosystem, further highlighting the complexity and diversity of the Jehol Biota.

This discovery offers a new perspective on the Jehol Biota ecosystem. Known for its abundant plant and animal fossils, the Jehol Biota is a crucial window into Mesozoic bioevolution. The discovery of Jeholialongchengi not only enriches the biodiversity of the Jehol Biota but also provides valuable evidence for studying the evolution, ecology, and food web complexity of Mesozoic scorpions.

The precious Jeholialongchengi specimen is currently housed at the Fossil Valley Museum in Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, for research and public viewing. Its discovery is significant not only for paleontological research but also for public understanding of ancient biodiversity and ecosystems. Its scientific and educational value is immeasurable, advancing our understanding of Mesozoic ecosystems and contributing to a better comprehension of biological evolution and ecosystem evolution. The discovery represents a significant breakthrough in paleontology, opening new avenues for future research.

This discovery also highlights the continuous progress of China in paleontological research. Ongoing fieldwork and research continue to unveil the mysteries of Earth's history. Jeholialongchengi is merely the tip of the iceberg, with many more astonishing discoveries awaiting us. Chinese scientists will continue to contribute significantly to global paleontological research. Through in-depth fossil study, we will better understand the history of Earth's life evolution and provide scientific evidence for the protection of global biodiversity.

The discovery of Jeholialongchengi is not only a significant scientific finding but also a fascinating glimpse into natural history. It allows us to witness the flourishing biodiversity of the Mesozoic era and reminds us of the critical importance of biodiversity conservation for maintaining Earth's ecological balance. We will continue to follow the advancements of Chinese scientists in paleontology, anticipating more exciting discoveries.

The discovery of Jeholialongchengi provides crucial clues to understanding the Jehol Biota ecosystem. Its size, diet, and position in the food web offer new insights into the environment of that time. Further research will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the Jehol Biota and the evolutionary process of Mesozoic ecosystems. The publication of this research marks significant progress in Chinese paleontological research and makes a valuable contribution to the international paleontological community. We anticipate more similar research findings in the future, further enriching our understanding of the history of life's evolution on Earth. Jeholialongchengi, this precious fossil from millions of years ago, continues to tell the wonderful story of Earth's life evolution.

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