Hoplostraca
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The term Hoplostraca refers to an extinct order of crustaceans that existed during the Late Carboniferous period. These marine burrowing crustaceans are part of the division Hoplocarida, which is within the larger class Malacostraca.12
Key characteristics of Hoplostraca include a reduced, cape-like carapace and a large, powerful abdomen. They possessed five pairs of anterior thoracic appendages, with the second pair greatly enlarged and adapted for raptorial use, similar to mantis shrimps. Their abdominal appendages had large, branching gills on the exopodites. The Hoplostraca are considered an early evolutionary branch within the malacostracans, with their fossil record extending back to the Late Carboniferous.213
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crustaceanAnnotated classification†Order HoplostracaCarboniferous.Order LeptostracaPermian to present; bivalved carapace encloses 8 pairs of leaflike limbs; movable rostrum; telson with caudal rami; marine; about 10 species.Subclass HoplocaridaCarboniferous to present.
Read More†Order HoplostracaCarboniferous.Order LeptostracaPermian to present; bivalved carapace encloses 8 pairs of leaflike limbs; movable rostrum; telson with caudal rami; marine; about 10 species.Subclass HoplocaridaCarboniferous to present.
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malacostracanAnnotated classification†Order Hoplostraca Late Carboniferous; carapace short; antennae 2 one-branched, raptorial in form; 1 family. Order Leptostraca (visored shrimp) Permian to Holocene; carapace large, not hinged; antennae 2 one-branched, slender; terminal abdominal segment with pair of large paddlelike branches; eggs brooded under carapace; marine;
Read More†Order Hoplostraca Late Carboniferous; carapace short; antennae 2 one-branched, raptorial in form; 1 family. Order Leptostraca (visored shrimp) Permian to Holocene; carapace large, not hinged; antennae 2 one-branched, slender; terminal abdominal segment with pair of large paddlelike branches; eggs brooded under carapace; marine;
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