The functional morphology of mating in the Silurian eurypterid, Baltoeurypterus tetragonophthalmus (Fischer, 1839)

摘要: The functional morphology of the genital appendages, horn organs and modified prosomal limb III Silurian eurypterid,Baltoeurypterus tetragonophthalmus(Fischer, 1839) (Chelicerata: Eurypterida) is investigated. longer type A appendage, interpreted as a female structure, associated with pair organs, regarded spermathecae. shorter B male, scimitar lobes on III, clasping structures. mechanism proposed by which appendage was lowered through flexure operculum acting along sutures in cuticle. model mating suggested, involving male depositing an unstalked spermatophore substrate retrieving it for storage This more arachnid-like than inLimulus(an extant aquatic chelicerate), suggests that sperm transfer using spermatophores spermathecae, allowed timing egg production eurypterids to be controlled.