Fortiforceps, RARE Great Appendage Arthropod from Chengjiang Biota

This unusual arthropod is known as Fortiforceps foliosa. The taxon was known from fewer than ten examples as the the publication of Hou’s book in 2004. The specimen is a member of the “great appendage arthropods” known as the opabinids after Opabinia from the Burgess Shale Fauna. Other members from Chengjiang are Leancoilia, Jianfengia and Alalcomenaeus. The exceptional detail of the locomatory appendages are readily apparent in this fine specimen, and are indicative of the fact that Fortiforceps was a strong swimmer.