Chasmataspidida
Chasmataspidids, sometime referred to as chasmataspids, are a group of extinct chelicerate arthropods that form the order Chasmataspidida. Chasmataspidids are probably related to horseshoe crabs (Xiphosura) and/or sea scorpions (Eurypterida), with more recent studies suggest that they form a clade (Dekatriata) with Eurypterida and Arachnida. Chasmataspidids are known sporadically in the fossil record through to the mid-Devonian, with possible evidence suggesting that they were also present during the late Cambrian. Chasmataspidids are most easily recognised by having an opisthosoma divided into a wide forepart (preabdomen) and a narrow hind part (postabdomen) each comprising 4 and 9 segments respectively. There is some debate about whether they form a natural (i.e. monophyletic) group.
| Chasmataspidida Temporal range: Possible Cambrian record | |
|---|---|
| Fossils of Hoplitaspis hiawathai. | |
| Reconstruction of Dvulikiaspis menneri (middle top), Octoberaspis ushakovi (top left), Hoplitaspis hiawathai (top right), Chasmataspis laurencii (bottom left) and Diploaspis casteri (bottom right). | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Clade: | Dekatriata |
| Order: | †Chasmataspidida Caster & Brooks, 1956 |
| Clades | |
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| Synonyms | |
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