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Introduction
Eurypterids, commonly referred to as "sea scorpi-
ons", represent a group of extinct Palaeozoic (late
Ordovician to the late Permian) aquatic chelicerate
arthropods, known from at least 200 species (Tetlie
2007). The first eurypterid was described by DeKay
(1825) from the Silurian of North America, while the
first recognised specimens from the United Kingdom
were discovered by quarrymen in Scotland (Salter
1856). Eurypterid fossils are found around the world,
although complete eurypterids are rare with body and
appendage fragments often the only parts preserved
(Selden 1984). They include the largest arthropods to
have ever lived, the pterygotids (Braddy et al. 2008),
which may have attained such sizes through compe-
tition with armoured fish (Lamsdell and Braddy
2010).
The importance of old or misplaced/recovered col-
lections to current research on all aspects of
eurypterid palaeobiology has been noted in recent
publications. Lost holotypes are often necessarily
replaced by material preserved in museum collec-
tions, thus specimens such as this recovered collec-
tion are important (Tetlie and Rabano 2007 and Tetlie
et al. 2007). This paper briefly describes 23
eurypterid specimens held in the palaeontology col-
lection at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, dis-
cusses how the fossils were acquired by the museum
their original donor and details of their probable
provenance and history. Each specimen is also
briefly described.
History of the eurypterid collection
The eurypterids and a few phyllocarid specimens
were donated to the Doncaster Museum and Art
Gallery in the 1960s by the Dick Institute in
Kilmarnock, Scotland (C. Howes, pers. comm.
2010). They were part of a larger private collection
donated to the Dick Institute in the late 1890s by Dr
Hunter-Selkirk for its opening in April 1901. In
1963-64 the Dick Institute donated a relatively small
collection of natural history specimens to the newly
formed Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery (previ-
ously Beechfield House Museum) including bird
skins and animal remains that were catalogued into
the museum's ever growing collection.
Unfortunately, no written recollection (bar a few
minor labels) of the eurypterids was catalogued into
the museum's collections, but it appears that the
eurypterids were donated in 1963-64 and remained
uncatalogued due to a shortage of specialised staff. A
small minority of the eurypterid specimens have their
original labels from the Dick Institute, some of which
include the name of Dr Hunter-Selkirk.
John Hunter-Selkirk was a prolific collector and fos-
sil hunter who amassed a large collection of fossils,
antiquities and early printed books (Macnair and
Mort 1908). Perhaps Selkirk's most important fossil
held in his collection was the Scottish Silurian
scorpion; Allopalaeophonus caledonicus previously
described as 'Palaeophonus hunteri' (Dunlop et al.
2011), held in the Dick Institute (formally the
331
A COLLECTION OF EURYPTERIDS FROM THE SILURIAN
OF LESMAHAGOW COLLECTED PRE 1900
by Dean R. Lomax, James C. Lamsdell and Samuel J. Ciurca, Jr
Lomax, D.R., Lamsdell, J.C. and Ciurca, S.J. Jr 2011. A collection of eurypterids
from the Silurian of Lesmahagow collected pre 1900 . The Geological Curator 9 (6):
331 - 348.
A rediscovered collection of scientifically significant eurypterid fossil specimens,
assigned to Slimonia acuminata and Erettopterus bilobus, is held in the Doncaster
Museum and Art Gallery. The specimens are from the historically important late
Silurian Lesmahagow inlier of Lanarkshire, Scotland and are described herein. The
material ranges from partial to complete specimens, with a wide range in size of both
genera. Most specimens have either no or minimal damage. Some interesting fea-
tures include the orientation and preservation of the eurypterids.
Dean Lomax, Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery, Chequer Road, Doncaster, DN1,
UK; email skalidis7@hotmail.com; James Lamsdell, Department of Geology and
Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Boulevard,
Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; email lamsdell@ku.edu; Samuel J. Ciurca, 2457 Culver
Road, Rochester, New York 14609, USA; email paleoresearch@yahoo.com.
Received 23rd May 2011.
Kilmarnock Museum) (Pocock 1901). Specimens
such as A. caledonicus have been prepared in the
exact same way as those held in the collection at
Doncaster Museum; they have white markings
spread around the entire edges of the matrix, proba-
bly chisel markings and which also suggests they
were originally part of the same collection (D.
Lomax, personal observation). Dr Hunter-Selkirk's
collection (known as the 'Braidwood Collection')
was touted as one of the most important private col-
lections brought together in this country by one indi-
vidual (Macnair and Mort 1908), and his donation of
major portions of his large collection to the town was
instrumental in the establishment of a museum in
Kilmarnock.
Geological Setting and Age
The collection of eurypterid specimens has very little
data accompanying it. A few of the specimens have
brief descriptions and basic locality information;
some do include remarks to the localities of Logan
Water, Muirkirk/Lesmahagow and the age identified
as the Upper Ludlovian (Ludlow Series). Many
important Silurian fossils have been discovered near
the Lesmahagow inlier in Lanarkshire, Scotland and
surrounding region. The inlier is a palaeontological-
ly significant exposure containing an array of rare,
important vertebrate and arthropod fossils and expos-
es a section of Silurian sediments dating to the Upper
Llandovery and Wenlock ages (Phillips 2007) sur-
rounded by sediments of Carboniferous age. It con-
sists of shales, sandstones and occasional pebble
conglomerates (Rolfe 1992) and it is most probable
that the eurypterid specimens were derived from this
locality.
Although the eurypterid specimens were initially ten-
tatively identified as being Ludlow in age the entire
collection of specimens derive from either the
Llandovery or Wenlock stages of the Silurian Period.
Most of the Lesmahagow eurypterid fossils have
come from the Kip Burn and Patrick Burn
Formations (Rolfe 1992) both of which have yielded
the eurypterid genera identified in the collection.
Almost all of the eurypterid specimens are preserved
as dark (carbonaceous) structures in a dark, almost
black siltstone matrix similar to the lithology of both
formations (Rolfe 1992, Tetlie and Braddy 2004).
However, both DONMG:ZG2326 and
DONMG:ZG2327 have a predominantly red-brown
to pinkish brown colour that may be due to their hav-
ing been exposed to a fire, it is possible that these
specimens were caught in the fire that burnt down the
Dick Institute in 1909.
Systematic Palaeontology
General eurypterid terminology follows Tollerton
(1989) and Selden (1981), with denticle terminology
following Miller (2007).
Order EURYPTERIDA Burmeister, 1843
Suborder EURYPTERINA Burmeister, 1843
Superfamily PTERYGOTOIDEA Clarke &
Ruedemann, 1912
Family PTERYGOTIDAE Clarke & Ruedemann,
1912
Genus ERETTOPTERUS, Salter in Huxley & Salter
1859
Species BILOBUS Salter, 1856
Description
A total of ten specimens have been attributed to
Erettopterus bilobus.
DONMG:ZG25 and DONMG:ZG2303 - Figure 1
and Figure 2. Part and counterpart. Isolated pair of
complete pterygotid chelicerae, each consisting of
fixed and free ramus and elongate basal podomere
(peduncle). The rami of both appendages preserve
fine detail of the denticles and correspond well to the
denticulation patterns of Erettopterus bilobus as
reconstructed by Waterston (1964). The fixed ramus
has an angular terminal denticle and up to five prin-
ciple denticles with no denticles on the base of the
ramus, while the free ramus has a more rounded ter-
minal denticle and three principle denticles that align
with the central three principle denticles on the
opposing ramus. The principle denticles on both
appendages show excessive wear. The uppermost
appendage measures 19.5 cm in length and 2.7 cm at
its widest point. The lower appendage is positioned
slightly more ventral to the upper, measuring 20.5 cm
in length with a maximum width of 2.3 cm.
DONMG:ZG26 - Figure 3. A nearly complete speci-
men with 12 opisthosomal segments preserved along
with the base of the telson with probable median
carina. Displaced type B genital appendage is visible
underlying the third segment; more narrow than in
Erettopterus osiliensis (Ciurca and Tetlie 2007); it is
viewed dorsally so that the lateral flange is com-
pletely exposed. The anterior section of the specimen
consists of fragments of doublure, carapace and
appendages. The basal segments of two enlarged
chelicerae are angled to the right. The carapace is
displaced and positioned anteriorly, exposing the
coxae in their original arrangement. At least four
other appendages are also preserved. Appendage VI
is poorly preserved and appears to be of a modified
Hughmilleria-type, with the median groove running
332
up podomere 7 similar to that in E. osiliensis. Three
narrow, non-spiniferous appendages (that do not cor-
respond to any appendage type in the system of
Tollerton, 1989) are located anterior to the paddle,
gracile in aspect and preserved flexed back against
the prosomal region. The specimen is 12.6 cm long,
with a maximum width of 2.4 cm. The largest and
longest appendage (one of the chelicerae) has a total
length of 3.2 cm and width of 0.5 cm.
333
Figure 1. DONMG:ZG25. Erettopterus bilobus. Specimen showing paired chelicerae. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 2. DONMG:ZG2303. Erettopterus bilobus. Counterpart to DONMG:ZG25. Scale bar = 10 cm.
DONMG:ZG2305 - Figure 4. Complete specimen
with prosomal region, 12 tergites and a bilobed tel-
son. The first tergite is reduced compared to the oth-
ers, while the metasomal segments have paired stria-
tions running down their length with segments 11
and 12 also possessing a median carina. The mesoso-
ma is broad and rather squat, a characteristic of E.
bilobus, while the carapace is semi-circular and pre-
serves two large lateral eyes, oval in shape and posi-
tioned antero-marginally. Both paddles are present,
resembling those of E. osiliensis, while at least two
of the small, gracile appendages are preserved curv-
ing backwards. The enlarged chelicerae are reversed,
with the fixed and free rami positioned closest to the
carapace. The length of the specimen (curved) is 12
cm and would be approximately 13.5 cm if straight,
with a maximum width of 2.8 cm. The most anterior
appendage pair have lengths of 4.2 cm and 4 cm with
widths of 0.3 cm and 0.4 cm respectively. The upper-
most swimming leg measures 2 cm in length and 0.3
cm in width while the lower swimming leg is 1.5 cm
long and 0.4 cm wide.
DONMG:ZG2306 - Figure 5. Near complete speci-
men with whole broad body, missing only the most
distal end of the telson, with both swimming legs
preserved and possible eyes. The telson appears
bilobed but is mostly lost although carinae are pre-
sent on both the telson and pretelson. The genital
appendage is faintly preserved, and appears to be of
type B. Prosoma poorly preserved, doublure of
Pterygotus-type with epistomal plate missing, sug-
gesting that the specimen represents an exuvium.
Coxae VI preserve gnathobases and both paddles are
preserved, the left appendage better than the right.
The margin of podomere 8 is somewhat serrated, and
in general morphology they correspond well to E.
osiliensis. The matrix is reddish-brown in the centre,
although the general colour of the surrounding
matrix is grey. It measures 13.6 cm in length with a
maximum width of 3.6 cm. Swimming legs measure
3.2 cm and 2.9 cm in length with widths of 0.5 cm
and 0.6 cm respectively.
DONMG:ZG2311 - Figure 6. Nearly complete spec-
imen lacking appendages. Body elongate with a gen-
tle curvature at the metasoma. The opisthosoma pre-
serves all 12 segments and the bilobed telson with
carina, also present on the two posterior segments.
The majority of the prosoma is missing and only a
minor section of the chelicerae is preserved. The
specimen is 15.5 cm long with a maximum width of
4 cm. The incomplete appendage length is 1.2 cm
with a width of 0.7 cm.
DONMG:ZG2315 - Figure 7. Almost complete spec-
imen. The body is broad, with paired striations on the
postabdomen. The carapace is fragmentary with faint
334
Figure 3. DONMG:ZG26. Erettopterus bilobus. Relatively complete specimen. Scale bar = 10 cm.
335
Figure 4. DONMG:ZG2305. Erettopterus bilobus. Complete specimen with chelicerae disarticulated and reversed.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 5. DONMG:ZG2306. Erettopterus bilobus. Relatively complete specimen showing detail of the swimming
paddles. Scale bar = 10 cm.
336
Figure 7. DONMG:ZG2315. Erettopterus bilobus. Specimen showing paired folds or ridges on the metasoma.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 6. DONMG:ZG2311. Erettopterus bilobus. Specimen showing opisthosoma and telson. Scale bar = 10 cm.
evidence of appendages, while the opisthosoma con-
sists of 12 segments. The mesosoma is wide and
bulky and the metasoma is elongate and tapers
almost triangularly. The specimen is 11.3 cm long
with a maximum width of 4.1 cm.
DONGM:ZG2316 - Figure 8. Unusually orientated,
nearly complete specimen. The mesosoma is uneven
along one side, perhaps due to it having been partial-
ly enrolled. A total of 12 tergites are preserved, with
the mesosoma again broad and segment 11 and the
337
Figure 9. DONMG:ZG2319. Erettopterus bilobus. Almost complete specimen showing the vertical rudder on the
telson. Scale bar = 5 cm.
Figure 8. DONMG:ZG2316. Erettopterus bilobus. Relatively complete specimen. Scale bar = 10 cm.
pretelson having carina. The proximal portion of the
telson is also present, and it is straight sided and
bears a median carina. The tergites have paired ridge-
like striae throughout, distinct from the elongate
nodules of Slimonia. The prosomal region is poorly
preserved, however an oval metastoma can be seen
as can the proximal portion of two enlarged chelicer-
ae. The total body length is 13.3 cm with a maximum
width of 4.3 c. The appendage lengths are 3.2 cm and
3.5 cm with widths of 0.3 cm and 0.3 cm respective-
ly. The specimen is in two separate sections; repair
may be necessary.
DONMG:ZG2319 - Figure 9. Complete specimen
with a total of 12 tergites and prosomal region pre-
served. The body is broad through the mesosoma.
Gnathobases of coxae are present in the prosomal
region while the distal portions of the paddles are
preserved either side, one with slight serrations on
podomere 7. Large chelicerae are clearly preserved
338
Figure 11. DONMG:ZG2323. Ceratiocaris sp. and Erettopterus bilobus. Specimen showing Ceratiocaris in dorsal
view with Erettopterus coxa. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 10. DONMG:ZG2322. Erettopterus bilobus. Specimen showing prosomal region and anterior mesosomal
segments. Scale bar = 10 cm.
anteriorly, displaced towards the right. The telson is
bilobed and shows a median vertical rudder folded
over towards the left side. The entire length of the
specimen is 11.5 cm with a maximum width of 2.8
cm. The appendages lengths are is 2.8 cm and 3.4 cm
with widths of 0.3 cm and 0.3 cm respectively.
DONMG:ZG2322 - Figure 10. Small incomplete
specimen; only the prosomal region and anterior
mesosomal segments are preserved. The right paddle
is preserved but with individual podomere bound-
aries indistinct. Striate ornamentation along the pos-
terior of tergites indicates this specimen is also
assignable to E. bilobus. The length of the specimen
is 9.8 cm with a width of 4.1 cm.
DONMG:ZG2323 - Figure 11. Block matrix largely
consisting of Ceratiocaris, however alongside there
is an anterior gnathobasic portion of coxa (probably
coxa VI) pertaining to E. bilobus.
DONMG:ZG2324 - Figure 12. Nearly complete
specimen with 11 opisthosomal segments preserved,
however the telson and pretelson are absent. The pro-
somal region is poorly preserved, although ventral
impression of coxae VI and the oval shaped metas-
toma are present. The length of the specimen is 15
cm with a maximum width of 3 cm. A few minor
cracks are apparent on the anterior section of the
specimen.
Remarks
Erettopterus bilobus is an old species that has not
received much attention since its original description
and is ideally in need of revision accommodating a
modern understanding of eurypterid systematics and
evolution beyond the treatment received herein.
Lamsdell and Legg (2010) cautioned against the use
of cheliceral denticulation for generic-level assign-
ment, however denticulation patterns can be a good
species-level character. The chelicerae held in the
collection match those described for Erettopterus
bilobus by Waterston (1964), and the bilobed telson
found on a number of specimens confirms this
assignment. Kjellesvig-Waering (1964) cited the
presence of a vertical rudder in E. bilobus based off
a single specimen in his personal collection, as dis-
cussed by Ciurca and Tetlie (2007).
DONMG:ZG2319 confirms the existence of this
structure in the species and corresponds well with the
specimen figured by Kjellesvig-Waering.
The broad body of E. bilobus may indicate that many
of these specimens are juveniles, as the opisthosoma
of juvenile eurypterids tends to be comparatively
broader than in adults (Andrews et al. 1974). While
the broad nature of the mesosoma is less pronounced
in larger specimens it is still comparatively broader
than in E. osiliensis and so it seems that this may be
a genuine trait of the species.
339
Figure 12. DONMG:ZG2324. Erettopterus bilobus. Laterally compressed specimen. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Family SLIMONIIDAE Novojilov, 1962
Genus SLIMONIA Page, 1856
Species ACUMINATA Salter, 1856
Description
A total of thirteen specimens are here attributed to
Slimonia acuminata.
DONMG:ZG365 - Figure 13. The largest eurypterid
specimen identified in the collection, almost com-
plete but lacking a recognisable prosomal region.
Consists of 10 opisthosomal segments (3-12), with
the genital operculum preserved anteriorly, and the
telson with its very distal end missing. The genital
operculum (Fig 13.1) is reversed and of type A, bear-
ing deltoid plates and the
proximal segment of the
genital appendage pre-
served with lateral
flanges and a median
groove that corresponds
to the type A appendage
of S. acuminata
(Waterston 1960). The
telson is foliate. The
integument bears a pit-
ted triangular-like pat-
tern that corresponds
well to the ornamenta-
tion of pterygotids. The
mesosomal segments
may show a median
suture that would corre-
spond to the fused ven-
tral operculae, while the
pretelson and telson
have a median carina.
The length of the speci-
men is 68 cm with a
maximum width of 21.5
cm.
DONMG:ZG366 -
Figure 14. Almost com-
plete carapace with the
preabdomen tapering
dorsoventrally to the
lower part of the matrix.
The carapace is long rec-
tangular in shape with a
median constriction. The
lateral eyes are oval and
located anterolaterally.
The carapace marginal
rim is broad anteriorly
between the lateral eyes
but narrow posterior to the eyes along the lateral
edge of the carapace. The anterior marginal rim is
ornamented with pustules. A paddle is preserved at
the top of the specimen, and another alongside it.
Next to the lowermost paddle is another genital
appendage of type A. The specimen - probably a
moult - has a wrinkled exterior throughout the ante-
rior portion of the carapace that indicates in life it
was inflated. During the taphonomic stage of preser-
vation, the weight of overlying sediments flattened
the moult. The ornamentation is again pterygotid-like
and paired elongated nodes run down the centre of
the body. The anterior segment is reversed and also
possesses the paired ridges. The body length of this
specimen is 18 cm with a width of 11 cm. The pro-
340
Figure 13.1. DONMG:ZG365. Slimonia acuminata. Enlarged view of genital opercu-
lum. Scale bar = 10 cm.
soma length is 21.1 cm with a width of 2 cm. The
specimen is unusually orientated; possibly suggest-
ing the specimen was transported prior to burial.
DONMG:ZG2304 - Figure 15. Well preserved cara-
pace specimen. Carapace is long rectangular shaped.
Both oval shaped lateral eyes are preserved in the
anterolateral corners and are elongate, measuring
over 1 cm. The anterior marginal rim is ornamented
by pustules that appear to form two rows offset from
one another, with pits on the carapace posterior to the
marginal rim. The carapace has been flattened, and in
life the centre was inflated as shown by the wrinkling
of the cuticle. The carapace has a length 11 cm with
a width of 10 cm.
341
Figure 13. DONMG:ZG365. Slimonia acuminata. Large specimen with reversed genital operculum.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 14. DONMG:ZG366. Slimonia acuminata. Disarticulated specimen showing ornamentation of the tergites.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
342
Figure 15. DONMG:ZG2305. Slimonia acuminata. Isolated prosoma. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 16. DONMG:ZG2307. Slimonia acuminata. Specimen consisting of articulated prosomal and isolated pro-
somal region. Scale bar = 10 cm.
DONMG:ZG2307 - Figure 16. Nearly complete
specimen consisting of opisthosoma, telson, and dis-
articulated prosoma. Opisthosoma consists of 12 seg-
ments articulated with the telson, which is foliate.
The prosoma is disarticulated from the rest of the
body, with the anterior appendages relatively well
preserved. These are of the Slimonia-type, with
spines distally fringing the podomere boundaries.
The specimen has a length of 11.8 cm measured with
the curvature and without the poorly preserved pro-
soma section. Its maximum width is 2.7 cm. Both the
swimming legs are apparent and measure respective-
ly, 3.5 cm and 3.5 cm in length with widths of 0.3 cm
and 0.5 cm.
DONMG:ZG2308 - Figure 17. Conglomeration of
disarticulated fragments, yielding a small array of
eurypterid tergites three of which are articulated at
the lowest point of the matrix. Towards the centre of
the specimen a foliate telson may be seen. There are
also a further two possible carapaces and six tergites
visible.
DONMG:ZG2309 - Figure 18. Large, complete tel-
son surrounded by cuticular fragments. The telson is
foliate, with a serrated margin comparable to
DONMG:ZG2304. The length of the telson from the
very distal tip end measures 12 cm with a width of
6.6 cm.
DONMG:ZG2310 - Figure 19. A pair of Slimonia-
type appendages each consisting of 8 podomeres,
including the coxa. Gnathobases are present on the
coxae with spines fringing the podomeres distally.
The specimen was at some point in several sections
and has been reassembled. A pitted ornamentation
runs across some areas of the specimen where the
integument has been preserved. Its maximum length
is 15.8 cm.
DONMG:ZG2321 - Figure 20. Isolated type A geni-
tal operculum. The deltoid plates, lateral flange and
central groove are preserved. Spatulae, which are
normally considered absent, are preserved either side
of the genital appendage and their presence suggests
that Caster and Kjellesvig-Waering (1956) were cor-
rect in suggesting these are present on all eurypterids
but normally folded dorsally. The total length mea-
sures 15.2 cm with a maximum width of 3.3 cm. The
appendage measures 2.3 cm in length and 0.4 cm in
width.
DONMG:ZG2325 - Figure 21. Very large, elongated
carapace. Carapace long rectangular in shape with
cardiac lobe preserved at its posterior. Lateral eyes
oval and positioned marginally. Three rows of pus-
tules are present on the anterior marginal rim, similar
to DONMG:ZG2304. The length of the carapace is
16.9 cm with a maximum width of 9 cm.
343
Figure 17. DONMG:ZG2308. Slimonia acuminata. Cuticle fragments including Slimonia telson.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
344
Figure 19. DONMG:ZG2310. Slimonia acuminata. Isolated anterior prosomal appendages. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 18. DONMG:ZG2309. Slimonia acuminata. Large telson. Scale bar = 10 cm.
DONMG:ZG2326 - Figure 22. A second elongate
carapace. Detail not well preserved, but similar to
DONMG:ZG2325 and DONMG:ZG2327. Lateral
eyes oval, anterior marginal rim broad. Muscle scars
are located centrally at posterior third of carapace.
The unusual pustular ornament across the front of
DONMG:ZG2325 is also seen here. The length of
the specimen measures 15.1 cm with a maximum
width of 9 cm.
DONMG:ZG2327 - Figure 23. Poorly preserved
long rectangular carapace, similar to
DONMG:ZG2326. Both oval lateral eyes present,
with broad anterior marginal rim preserving 2-3 rows
of large pustules. The specimen measures 12.1 cm in
length and 10 cm in width.
345
Figure 20. DONMG:ZG2321. Slimonia acuminata. Isolated genital operculum. Scale bar = 10 cm.
Figure 21. DONMG:ZG2325. Slimonia acuminata. Carapace showing the ornamentation of the marginal rim.
Scale bar = 10 cm.
346
Figure 22.
DONMG:ZG2326.
Slimonia
acuminata. Isolated
carapace. Scale bar
= 10 cm.
Figure 23. DONMG:ZG2327. Slimonia acuminata. Isolated carapace. Scale bar = 10 cm
Remarks
Like E. bilobus, Slimonia acuminata is in need of a
modern re-description. Towards this, two structures
of note have been recognised in the Doncaster speci-
mens. The first, the rows of pustules on the anterior
marginal rim, is a characteristic that appears unique
to the genus (if not the species). Pustules can form
the attachment points for setae, and a somewhat sim-
ilar row of pustules was described fringing the mar-
ginal rim of Drepanopterus abonensis, which was
described as an early sweep-feeder that may have
used its marginal rim to shovel in the substrate in the
hunt for prey (Lamsdell et al. 2009). Appendage pair
II of S. acuminata is more gracile than the others and
has been suggested to have had a tactile sensory
function similar to the pedipalps of modern spiders;
if the pustules of Slimonia did possess sensory setae
they might have functioned with the pedipalps as a
tactile sensory battery to aid in the identification and
location of prey.
The presence of spatulae on DONMG:ZG2321 is
also of interest as these structures have not been
recognised on Slimonia previously despite the in-
depth study of the genital appendage by Waterston
(1960). This supports the notion of Caster and
Kjellesvig-Waering (1964) that all eurypterids pos-
sess genital spatulae but that in most species the spat-
ulae are small and folded dorsally above the opercu-
lum so as to be undetectable, with only a few species
having hypertrophied spatulae that are regularly
identified in the fossil record.
Conclusions
The rediscovery of the eurypterid specimens held in
the palaeontology collection at Doncaster Museum
and Art Gallery has enabled this preliminary discus-
sion of each specimen and its relevant importance.
The original donor, date of donation, locality infor-
mation and specimen history were lost, however
evaluation of the available information has allowed
the majority of this data to be reconstructed. The
eurypterids (and phyllocarids) were part of a large
collection obtained by Dr Hunter-Selkirk in the mid
to late 1800s, of which the majority were donated to
the Dick Institute, most of which are still held there.
The Dick Institute donated the eurypterid specimens
discussed herein to Doncaster Museum in the 1960s.
Although no written evidence was obtained, it was
probably the year 1964, when the Doncaster
Museum and Art Gallery first opened. The prove-
nance of the eurypterids was previously dubious,
however through comparison with collections at the
Dick Institute it is clear the specimens primarily
derived from the famous Logan Water within the
Lesmahagow inlier of Lanarkshire. This rediscovery
is important to the Doncaster Museum and Art
Gallery with respect to documenting the strengths of
the collections and identifying specimens, and
specifically for eurypterid researchers as the majori-
ty of the specimens are derived from an area that is
mostly protected and where modern collecting is
deemed nearly impossible. Most specimens are per-
fectly preserved; the completeness and excellent
preservation of most of the eurypterids should make
further research possible. On a final note, this study
has allowed each specimen to be accessioned into
Doncaster Museum's collection using the collection
management system MODES.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Benjamin Hyde for assisting with
images, Jason Sherburn for help with images and cat-
aloguing of specimens and Dr Neil Clark, Dr Colin
Howes, Jason Sutcliffe and Dr Simon Braddy for
numerous conversations, information and advice to
help progress this paper, thanks also to Byron
Blessed for help confirming the identity of the first
two eurypterid specimens rediscovered in 2008. JCL
thanks Amanda Falk for discussion and reviewing an
early draft of the manuscript. Many thanks to Dr
Jason Dunlop, who provided extremely useful com-
ments during the review process. A special thanks to
the Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS)
for awarding a Karl Hirsch Memorial Grant to Dean
Lomax, and thus providing funding for research and
documentation of the eurypterid collection. A final
thanks to Peter Robinson and Doncaster Museum
and Art Gallery for allowing the study of the
eurypterid collection.
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