BERTIE PTERYGOTID : ACUTIRAMUS; PREDATOR OR PUSHOVER? EURYPTERID INJURIES IN THE SILURIAN.

The Silurian giant eurypterid Acutiramus has recently been suggested to have been a slow moving, scavenger with poor vision and weak ineffectual claws. This talk will present photographic evidence of predatory interactions between Acutiramus and associated eurypterids in the form of torn and punctured remains. Additionally, we will show healed wounds including but not limited to bitten off telsons and punctures clearly made by the unique claws of Acutiramus indicating unsuccessful attacks. It is suggested that successful predation would leave no traces.

The evidence includes samples from both main Bertie Group accumulations of eurypterid fossils: Lang’s Quarry in the “Herkimer Pool” (Phelps Waterlime) and the area often referred to as the “Buffalo Pool” (Williamsville). This is direct evidence of a predatory lifestyle for this giant arthropod.