Patesia n. gen., a new Late Devonian stem xiphosurid genus

Abstract

Xiphosura, the so-called horseshoe crabs, are a group of extant marine chelicerates that have a fossil record extending back to the Lower Ordovician. Their temporal range, coupled with a supposed record of bradytelic evolution has made them a focus of palaeontological consideration for over two centuries. As such, there are an array of taxa erected during the 20th century that have remained unexamined in light of new material and revised phylogenetic theories. Stem xiphosurids in particular require further research to uncover the diversity and disparity of non-crown group horseshoe crabs. To align with the recent increase in mid to late Paleozoic horseshoe crab research, we reconsider the stem xiphosurids “Kasibelinurus” randalli and “Bellinurus” alleganyensis from the Late Devonian of Pennsylvania and New York State. We conclude that they are synonyms and belong in neither Kasibelinurus nor Bellinurus, and the new genus, Patesia, is erected to accommodate them. Reconsidering stem xiphosurids highlights that particularly in the Late Devonian there was a high disparity of form. One such stem xiphosurid may represent the morphological stock that gave rise to the Carboniferous taxa and the first xiphosurid radiation.