Illustration of Kraytdraco spectatus, a parapluid from the Cambrian (IMAGE)

University of Cambridge

Illustration of Kraytdraco spectatus, a parapluid from the Cambrian

Caption

A new species of priapulids, also known as penis or cactus worms, which were widespread during the Cambrian but are nearly extinct today. The Grand Canyon priapulid had hundreds of complex branching teeth, which helped it sweep food particles into its extensible mouth. Due to the size of the fossil and its exotic rows of teeth, the researchers named this new animal Kraytdraco spectatus, after the krayt dragon, a fictional creature from the Star Wars universe.

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Rhydian Evans

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