Archipolypoda is an extinct group of millipedes known from fossils in Europe and North America and containing the earliest known land animals.[1] The Archipolypoda was erected by Scudder (1882)[2] but redefined in 2005 with the description of several new species from Scotland.[3] Distinguishing characteristics include relatively large eyes with densely packed ocelli (sometimes interpreted as compound eyes), and modified leg pairs on the 8th body ring.[3][4] Some species had prominent spines while others had a flattened appearance.[3][5]
Archipolypoda Temporal range:
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Reconstruction of Acantherpestes major | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
Class: | Diplopoda |
Subclass: | Chilognatha |
Superorder: | †Archipolypoda Scudder, 1882 |
Orders | |
Synonyms | |
Macrosterni Fritsch, 1899 |
The Archipolypoda as currently recognized consists of four orders,[6] many with monotypic families and genera, as well as five species of uncertain placement (incertae sedis).[3][7]
Archidesmida Wilson & Anderson, 2004
Cowiedesmida Wilson & Anderson, 2004
Euphoberiida Hoffman, 1969
Palaeosomatida Hannibal & Krzeminski, 2005. Carboniferous, UK and Poland[9]
Order incertae sedis