Photos: A Cambrian Larva With a 'Daggerlike' Tail

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Modeled in 3D

(Image credit: Yu Liu et al.)

In this image, 3D models rendered from CT scans show dorsal and ventral views of the larva's body.

Making an impression

(Image credit: Y. Liu / R. Melzer / J. Haug)

Three views of L. illecebrosa as seen from underneath the fossil: macrophotograph, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microsceopy.

All grown up

(Image credit: Yu Liu et al.)

An adult form of the Cambrian arthropod, Leanchoilia illecebrosa. Researchers identified the new fossil as a juvenile of this species.

Hairy fingers

(Image credit: Joachim Haug)

A close-up of the larva fossil shows hairlike structures on one of the "fingers" of the appendages on its head.

Swimming 'paddles'

(Image credit: Joachim Haug)

Close-up of one of the two structures resembling paddles, near the larva's posterior. The researchers suggested that they might have been used for swimming.

Branching headgear

(Image credit: Yu Liu et al.)

Micro-CT scanning revealed three branching parts on appendages attached to the larva's head.

From the top

(Image credit: Y. Liu / R. Melzer / J. Haug)

Three views of L. illecebrosa as seen from the top of the fossil: macrophotograph, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microsceopy.

Model arthropod

(Image credit: Yu Liu et al.)

Computed X-ray tomography (CT) scans allowed scientists to build a virtual 3D model of the arthropod larva, embedded in its rocky matrix.

Colorized se

(Image credit: Yu Liu et al.)

In a colorized 3D model of the 2-mm-long larva L. illecebrosa, paired appendages become smaller and less developed as they move toward the larva's rear. These likely developed into legs later in the arthropod's life cycle.

Mindy Weisberger
Mindy Weisberger
Live Science Contributor

Mindy Weisberger is a science journalist and author of "Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control" (Hopkins Press). She formerly edited for Scholastic and was a channel editor and senior writer for Live Science. She has reported on general science, covering climate change, paleontology, biology and space. Mindy studied film at Columbia University; prior to LS, she produced, wrote and directed media for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. Her videos about dinosaurs, astrophysics, biodiversity and evolution appear in museums and science centers worldwide, earning awards such as the CINE Golden Eagle and the Communicator Award of Excellence. Her writing has also appeared in Scientific American, The Washington Post, How It Works Magazine and CNN.