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Montecaris

Montecaris is a genus of extinct phyllocarid crustaceans found in the Upper Devonian of Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Description

Montecaris possesses an unornamented, bivalved carapace which terminates in a spiny posterior. Its caudal tail fin is trifurcated and dagger-like. Species of Montecaris from Europe and Canada are no more than in length, while M. gogoensis from the Gogo Formation of Australia can reach lengths of and, rarely, up to .

Due to its streamlined carapace and large tail fin, Montecaris was likely an active nektonic swimmer, which primarily appears in deep water sediments. Its robust mandibles and powerful musculature suggests a carnivorous lifestyle as an active predator or scavenger.

Species

  • M. antecedens <small>Chlupač, 1960</small>
  • M. brunnensis <small>Chlupač, 1960</small>
  • M. gogoensis <small>Briggs, 2011</small>
  • M. lehmanni <small>Jux, 1960</small> <small>(Possibly synonymous with M. strunensis)</small>
  • M. strunensis <small>Jux, 1959</small>
  • M. tatarica <small>Krestovnikov, 1961</small>

References