100 million years old microwhip scorpion trapped in amber

Also known as palpigrades, microwhip scorpions are typically tiny arachnids measuring no more than than 3 mm (0.12 inches). They get their common name for their whip-like rear that superficially resembles a scorpion’s tail and makes up as much as half of their total length.

Although the class of Arachnida is comprised of over 100,000 known species, there are less than 100 known palpigrades today; and only two fossil species have been discovered so far. One was discovered encased in limestone from the Onyx Marble Formation of Arizona, dated around 6 to 3 million years ago. This newly described palpigrade, however, likely lived 100 million years old ago alongside the Cretaceous dinosaurs of Myanmar.

Due to its diminutive nature, it was initially overshadowed by the fractures and debris of the amber it is encased in. All the disruption also obscured the finer details of the specimen, making proper observation difficult. Nevertheless, it looks similar In appearance to today’s microwhip scorpions, and thus likely shared the same habitat and preferences.