Pulmonoscorpius

Pulmonoscorpius is an extinct genus of scorpion from the Mississippian (Early Carboniferous) of Scotland. It contains a single named species, Pulmonoscorpius kirktonensis. It is known by the Scottish people as Mór-crubágath from Scots Gaelic or Mor-Partambane in Scots.

Etymology

The name derives from "Latin pulmonis, a lung, and Greek skorpios, a scorpion." The species name "kirktonensis" refers to the East Kirkton Quarry.

Physical Appearance

Most complete specimens of Pulmonoscorpius were 13–280 mm (0.51-11.02 in) in length, while a large, fragmentary specimen is estimated to have been 70 cm (28 inches) long when alive. The only portions preserved were the outer portions of the cuticle.

Pulmonoscorpius possesses two pairs of eyes on the prosoma (the head and legs segment, also known as a cephalothorax). These include a pair of anterior-positioned median eyes (near the center of the prosoma) and a pair of compound lateral eyes (on the edge of the prosoma), with each lateral eye bearing between 40 and 60 lateral ocelli. In modern scorpions, lateral eyes are strongly reduced, but those of Pulmonoscorpius are large, similar to other basal scorpions and most other arthropods. The prosoma is covered by a carapace (a large plate).

The prosoma is followed by a mesosoma (the broad portion of the abdomen-like opisthosoma), which has seven segments each covered by a tergite (smaller, broad plate). The surface of the carapace and tergites are relatively smooth in juveniles, and become tuberculated as individuals mature.

The metasoma (tail) has five segments, not counting the bulbous telson (stinging segment) at the end. The last (5th) metasomal segment does not exceed the length of the preceding (4th) metasomal segment. Metasomal segments are boxy and ornamented by paired carinae (tuberculated ridges) in adults.

Like other scorpions, Pulmonoscorpius has four pairs of walking legs as well as larger pincer-like pedipalps and smaller pincer-like chelicerae (mouthparts). One characteristic trait of Pulmonoscorpius is the presence of a long spur on each of the apophyses (an extension of the coxa).

Abilities

The stinger, also known as the telson, lies at the tip of the scorpion's tail. The telson may cause redness and swelling along with a burning or stinging sensation. Scorpions sting to defend and protect themselves. You usually won't need medical treatment for a sting.

For as long as six days, the scorpions can breathe underwater. Scorpions' exoskeletons allow them to collect oxygen, which they may then store in their body for up to two hours. Their book lungs have the capacity to hold a lot of air. Unlike humans, scorpions are terrestrial creatures that breathe in and out through passive diffusion. They can fall into toilets or pools because they are drawn to water.

Ecology

The diet of Pulmonoscorpius is not known directly, but it is probable that it preyed on smaller arthropods, and small tetrapods (new arrivals).

Behavior

Unlike other scorpion species, their venom is very mild and won't kill you. But getting grabbed by their pincers can be very painful—even more than getting stung. Young children and older adults are most at risk of serious complications. Young Pulmonoscorpius are preyed upon by large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds, and mammals. The Pulmonoscorpius adults were rarely targeted by larger predators, their new arrivals.

Distribution and Habitat

All specimens of this genus have been found in terrestrial and lacustrine sediments of Scotland during Late Carboniferous.

Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Stable
Population:
- Earth: 0
- Berbania/Hirawhassa: 10-200
- Reinachos/Ityosel: 500-950
Locomotion: Amphibious
Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests, Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Warm River; Cold River; Lukewarm River; Subterranean River; Pond; Littoral; Intertidal; Karst Cave; Karst Spring; Lush Cavern; Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.
Earth:
- Extinct: United Kingdom (England; Scotland)
Berbania/Hirawhassa: none
Reinachos/Ityosel: none
Thatrollwa: none
Sawintir: none
Agarathos: none

Tamed

Scorpions are often kept as pets. They are relatively simple to keep, the main requirements being a secure enclosure such as a glass terrarium with a lockable lid and the appropriate temperature and humidity for the chosen species, which typically means installing a heating mat and spraying regularly with a little water.