List of recently extinct arthropods facts for kids
Arthropods are an amazing group of animals with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed legs. This huge group includes insects, spiders, crabs, and many more! Sadly, some of these incredible creatures are disappearing from our planet. As of September 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported that many arthropod species are either extinct, possibly extinct, or extinct in the wild. This means they are gone forever, or we haven't seen them in a long time and worry they might be.
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Centipedes
Centipedes are speedy, many-legged creatures that are usually predators. They have one pair of legs per body segment. Possibly extinct species Some centipede species are thought to be possibly extinct, meaning scientists haven't found them in a long time and fear they might be gone. Two examples are Mecistocephalus cyclops and Mecistocephalus sechellarum.
Seed Shrimps
Seed shrimps, also known as ostracods, are tiny crustaceans that live in water. They have a shell that looks a bit like a seed. Extinct species One seed shrimp, Liocypris grandis, was thought to be extinct but was excitingly rediscovered in 2003! Another species, Namibcypris costata, is listed as extinct.
Arachnids
Arachnids include familiar creatures like spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. They typically have eight legs. Extinct species Several arachnid species are now extinct. These include the Gardiner's giant mite (Dicrogonatus gardineri) and Centrobunus braueri. Many of these species were found in specific, small habitats, making them very vulnerable to changes. Possibly extinct species Many more arachnid species are possibly extinct. This means scientists haven't seen them for a long time and are worried they might be gone forever. Examples include Afrogarypus seychellesensis and Biantes parvulus.
Millipedes
Millipedes are slow-moving arthropods with two pairs of legs on most body segments. They usually eat decaying plants. Extinct species A few millipede species have gone extinct, such as Eucarlia alluaudi and Orthomorpha crinita. Possibly extinct species Some millipedes are also possibly extinct, like Diglossosternoides curiosus.
Entognatha
Entognatha is a group of small, wingless arthropods that are related to insects. They include springtails and proturans. Possibly extinct species Two species in this group, Ceratophysella sp. nov. 'HC' and Delamarephorura tami, are considered possibly extinct.
Maxillopoda
Maxillopoda is a group of crustaceans that includes barnacles and copepods. They are often very small and live in water. Extinct species Two species from this group, Afrocyclops pauliani and Tropodiaptomus ctenopus, are now extinct.
Malacostracans
Malacostracans are a large group of crustaceans that includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, and woodlice. Extinct species Several malacostracan species have become extinct. These include the Sooty crayfish (Pacifastacus nigrescens), the Sandhills crayfish (Procambarus angustatus), and the Pasadena freshwater shrimp (Syncaris pasadenae). These species often lived in specific freshwater habitats that were easily disturbed. Possibly extinct species Many more malacostracan species are possibly extinct. This includes the White spring cave crayfish (Cambarus veitchorum) and the Florida cave shrimp (Palaemonetes cummingi). Extinct in the wild species One species, the Socorro isopod (Thermosphaeroma thermophilum), is extinct in the wild. This means it no longer lives in its natural habitat but might still exist in zoos or special conservation programs.
Insects
Insects are the largest group of arthropods, including butterflies, beetles, ants, and many more. They are incredibly diverse! Extinct species Many insect species have gone extinct. Some notable examples include:
- The Pecatonica river mayfly (Acanthametropus pecatonica)
- The Xerces blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche xerces), a beautiful butterfly from California.
- The Saint Helena earwig (Labidura herculeana), which was a very large earwig.
- The Rocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus spretus), which used to swarm in huge numbers across North America.
- The Antioch dunes shieldback katydid (Neduba extincta).
- The Robust burrowing mayfly (Pentagenia robusta).
- The Perrin's cave beetle (Siettitia balsetensis).
Many of these extinctions are linked to habitat loss and changes in their environment. Possibly extinct species A large number of insect species are also considered possibly extinct. This includes various grasshoppers, dragonflies, and bees that haven't been seen in a long time. Examples are the Morogoro pretty grasshopper (Acanthothericles bicoloripes) and the Zanzibar giant forest grasshopper (Allaga ambigua). Extinct in the wild species The Oahu deceptor bush cricket (Leptogryllus deceptor) is an example of an insect species that is extinct in the wild.
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