An isolated pterygotid ramus (Chelicerata: Eurypterida) from the Devonian Beartooth Butte Formation, Wyoming
James
C. Lamsdell1 and David A. Legg2
1 Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
2 Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
An isolated ramus of the pterygotid eurypterid Jaekelopterus cf. howelli from the Early Devonian (Pragian) Beartooth Butte Formation (Cottonwood Canyon, north-western Wyoming) is described. Pterygotid taxonomy and synonymy is briefly discussed with the genera Pterygotus, Acutiramus and Jaekelopterus shown to be potential synonyms. The use of cheliceral denticulation patterns as a generic-level character is discouraged in light of variations within genera and its unsuitability as a major characteristic in the other eurypterid families.
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