Clausocaris is an extinct genus of Thylacocephalan containing the single species Clausocaris lithographica from the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) aged Solnhofen Limestone in Germany.[1] It was originally named Clausia by Oppenheim in 1888, but was later changed to Clausocaris. The morphology suggests a lifestyle of a mobile or ambush oceanic predator.[2]

Clausocaris
Temporal range: Tithonian
Reconstruction of Clausocaris lithographica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Thylacocephala
Order: Conchyliocarida
Genus: Clausocaris
Species:
C. lithographica
Binomial name
Clausocaris lithographica
Polz, 1989
Clausoclaris lithographica specimen

Fossils have shown a carapace covering the bulk of its body, with compound eyes, possible gills, and also "raptorial appendages" controlled by "substantial striated muscles".[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ Clausocaris at Fossilworks.org
  2. ^ a b Foote, Christopher (2014-08-22). "It's an eyeball with legs! Discovering more about the extinct, enigmatic and altogether bizarre Thylacocephlans". BMC Series blog. Retrieved 2019-09-21.