Pneumodesmus Temporal range:
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Reconstruction of P. newmani | |
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Photomicrograph of the type specimen | |
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Genus: | Pneumodesmus
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Species: | P. newmani
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Binomial name | |
Pneumodesmus newmani Wilson & Anderson, 2004 [1]
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Pneumodesmus newmani is a species of myriapod. It is originally considered that it lived during the late Wenlock epoch of the Silurian period around 428 million years ago.[1][2][3] However, a 2017 study dates its occurrence based on zircon data analysis as the Early Devonian (Lochkovian).[4] Although the 2023 study confirmed the age identification of the 2004 study through palynological, palaeobotanical and zircon analyses incorporating newly discovered additional data,[3] this is based on adjacent structurally separated block with different stratigraphy and sedimentology to the block with fossil site it was discovered, and it is confirmed as unsustainable.[5] It is one of the first myriapods, and among the oldest creatures to have lived on land.[6] It was discovered in 2004, and is known from a single specimen from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.[2]