Detection of giant trilobite fossils in Australia

Fossils on the island of Kangaroo reveal the largest trilobite that once lived in Australia with a length of up to 30cm.

Image of restoring Redlichia rex species.(Photo: University of Adelaide).

Paleontologists find fossils of a giant three-lobed bug that has never been known on Kangaroo Island, south of Australia. Prehistoric creatures, inhabiting about 500 million years ago, were identified as the largest three-lobed beetle ever found in Australia.

The new beetle named Redlichia rex . They are up to 30cm long and possess prickly legs, which are used to tear up food (probably smaller three-lobed beetles). Fossil specimens were unearthed in a stone slab in Emu Bay with almost intact legs and antennae.

Some specimens have a hard crust crushed. This is evidence that the Redlichia rex, despite its incredible size, is still the prey of larger and more powerful creatures, such as Anomalocaris, a shrimp-like ancient predator, which can reach two meters long. .

The trilobite is one of the most thriving animal groups in evolutionary history. Before extinction, they were present throughout the oceans for 270 million years. Due to the hard and fossilized outer skeleton, many trematode specimens are still preserved to this day.

• The excavation of marine fossils of 530 million years still has eyes
• The 390-million-year-old fossil has claws