Species Taxonomy

[Zonda]

The largest insect so far discovered in the fossil record, was a type of dragonfly from the late Carboniferous. This large predatory Protodonata (griffin fly) had a wingspan of 75cms, and went by the name of Meganeura. The large size of the insects at that time was due to high levels of oxygen in the atmosphere, 35% compared with 21% now. Coalfields have proven to be a good source of these large fossil insects.

[Padfield]

Even bigger than that, and also from the Carboniferous (but not an insect), was the 2m+ millipede who who went for a walk 300 million years ago on what is now the Island of Arran and left footprints that are still visible today: http://www.the-online-museum.com/arthro ... racks.html.

I've been there and seen them in real life - it's spooky!

Guy

[Zonda]

Jeez,,,that could wrap around ones body, and bite ones head off. Do i sound like the queen?