Hallipterus Temporal range: Devonian,
| |
---|---|
![]() | |
Carapace of H. excelsior | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
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
| |
Synonyms | |
|
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]