Aysheaia


Aysheaia is a lobopod (a primitive sister group to the arthropods), so-named because of its lobe-like walking limbs which support an annulated trunk. It has a forward-facing mouth surrounded by papillae that aided feeding, a pair of spiny appendages near the head, and the limbs have small claws. It is often found associated with sponges, and may have used its appendages to hold and feed on them.

Aysheaia