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The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)
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The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)
The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a marine chelicerate arthropod.. Colour printed illustration by Heinrich Harder from Tiere der Urwelt Animals of the Prehistoric World, 1916, Hamburg. Heinrich Harder (1858-1935) was a German landscape artist and book illustrator
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Media ID 14211928
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Arthropod Atlantic Chelicerate Crab Creature Dinosaur Hamburg Harder Heinrich Horseshoe Limulus Polyphemus Prehistoric Tiere Urwelt
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This chromolithograph illustration by the renowned German artist and book illustrator, Heinrich Harder, showcases the intriguing figure of the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus). Dating back to the early 20th century, this image was originally published in Harder's seminal work, "Tiere der Urwelt" or "Animals of the Prehistoric World," published in Hamburg in 1916. The Atlantic horseshoe crab is a unique marine arthropod belonging to the class Merostomata and the order Xiphosura. Its distinctive horseshoe-shaped body, with ten spiny legs and two large, compound eyes, has fascinated scientists and naturalists for centuries. Despite its ancient appearance, this creature is not a dinosaur, but rather a living fossil, having remained relatively unchanged for over 450 million years. Harder's meticulous attention to detail is evident in this stunning illustration. The horseshoe crab's intricate exoskeleton, its beaked mouthparts, and the delicate patterns on its legs are all rendered with remarkable accuracy. The artist's use of vibrant colors and shading adds depth and texture to the image, making it a true work of art. The Atlantic horseshoe crab plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem as a keystone species. Its blue, copper-based blood is used in the production of Limulus amebocyte lysate, a vital component in the pharmaceutical industry for testing the sterility of medical equipment. This illustration serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and importance of these fascinating creatures, which continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire scientific discovery.
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