A new early devonian trigonotarbid arachnid from the Windyfield Chert, Rhynie, Scotland

Abstract

Synopsis: A new, exceptionally preserved, trigonotarbid (Arachnida, Trigonotarbida, Palaeocharin-idae), Palaeocharinus tuberculatus sp. nov. is described from the early Devonian (Pragian) Windyfield chert of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK. The specimens found are almost twice the size of previous Rhynie palaeocharinids and display an autapomorphic, microtuberculate ornament over the whole body. This tuberculation and possible developing tergite and sternite divisions, which the microtubercles in places appear to define, show significant similarities with the possibly closely related Carboniferous family Anthracomartidae. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.