3D images reveal ancient spiders

Scientists have unveiled 3D images of early spider-like creatures that lived around 300 million years ago.

Around 3,000 high-resolution CT (computerised tomography) scans of the fossils of two species - Cryptomartus hindi and Eophrynus prestivicii - were brought together using imaging software by researchers at Imperial College, London, to create the models.
Both species - about the size of a 50p piece - are believed to have lived during the Carboniferous period, before the age of the dinosaurs.

Cryptomartus, which are thought to have been an ambush predator that lay hidden in logs and plant fronds before pouncing on victims, had two forward-pointing front legs that may have been used to grab prey.

Meanwhile, Eophrynus, which possibly hunted on the open forest floor, had long legs that enabled it to run through leaf litter after prey.

Researcher Russell Garwood, from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, said: "Our models almost bring these ancient creatures back to life and it's really exciting to be able to look at them in such detail.

"Our study helps build a picture of what was happening during this period early in the history of life on land."

The findings are published in the journal Biology Letters.

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