Dollocaris Explained

Dollocaris is an extinct genus of thylacocephalan that lived during the Jurassic period. Fossils have been found in France, specifically the La Voulte-sur-Rhône lagerstätte. It is known for its massive compound eyes, giving Dollocaris a rather characteristic appearance. One species is currently known, D. ingens.

Description

Adult specimens of Dollocaris measured over 30cm (10inches) in length.[1] It sported a row of small appendages to assist in swimming, as well as three pairs of clawed segmented legs,[2] but it was probably a poor swimmer, instead depending on ambush to hunt prey. It is known for its well-preserved, large compound eyes, sporting well-preserved individual retinula cells, which assisted in catching prey.[3] [4]

Notes and References

  1. Charbonnier . Sylvain . Vannier . Jean . Hantzpergue . Pierre . Gaillard . Christian . 2010 . Ecological Significance of the Arthropod Fauna from the Jurassic (Callovian) La Voulte Lagerstätte . Acta Palaeontologica Polonica . en . 55 . 1 . 111–132 . 10.4202/app.2009.0036 . 0567-7920. free .
  2. Web site: Extinct crustacean Dollocaris was all eyes. phys.org.
  3. Web site: All eyes on me: Jurassic crustacean had largest peepers. Earth Archives.
  4. Jean. Vannier. Brigitte. Schoenemann. Thomas. Gillot. Sylvain. Charbonnier. Euan. Clarkson. January 19, 2016. Nature Communications. 7. 1. 10320. www.nature.com. 10.1038/ncomms10320. 26785293. 4735654.