This is "Fossil Friday" post #134. Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website. We will post any fossil pictures you send in to [email protected]. Please include a short description or story. Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!
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Today, we have a absolutely breathtaking Myriacantherpestes sp. from the Pennsylvanian of Kansas. It hails from the famous Hamilton Quarry near Hamilton, Kansas. That quarry is considered a Late Carboniferous lagerstatte. It's produced unusually well preserved fossils of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, including large winged insects, water scorpions, and, of course, millipedes. This locality is believed to have been a river estuary about 295 million years ago.
This beautiful specimen is owned by Paul Demkovich. Paul is a long time Mazon collector, who has provided generous support to ESCONI over the last few years. He's also contributed to Jack Wittry and his current project... an updated Mazon Creek animal book.
This fabulous fossil specimen was found by the late John Stade of St. Louis and was in his collection for many years. It was sold at the 2022 MAPS Expo in Springfield, IL. Paul provided these photos. They really highlight the stunning detail of this millipede. Thanks for sharing, Paul!
