Re-evaluating evidence of Australian eurypterids

Abstract

Eurypterids, the so-called sea scorpions, are a group of extinct chelicerates with a diversity of over 250 species. Although the group has a distribution across most of the globe, the majority of taxa are known from the northern Hemisphere. Despite the general palaeontological interest in sea scorpions, Gondwanan - specifically Australian - taxa have received little consideration. To rectify this, we collate data on Australian sea scorpion material from the Gogo, Melbourne and Montys Hut formations, the Humevale and Muttama Creek siltstones and the Wilson Creek Shale. The studied material spans the late Silurian to the late Devonian and highlights a rich Pterygotidae fauna, especially in the state of Victoria. We conclude that presently there is insufficient material to erect new taxa. However, further collecting of material - especially the Wilson Creek Shale and the Montys Hut Formation - will uncover more material to aid in understanding the most southern, Gondwanan eurypterids.