Neoichnology of vinegaroons

This study documented the tracemaking ability of vinegaroons (whip scorpions). Vinegaroons are organisms related to scorpions, except they lack a stinging tail and their first set of walking limbs are modified into antennae-like structures. Experiments were performed in nine trials of varying grain size and moisture settings. Trackways were found to be preserved better in settings that were dry and fine-grained, with the preservation potential of trackways decreasing as the media became coarser and wetter. Individual tracks were oblong to striate and were arranged in triangular patterns. It is hoped that this research will be used to identify fossil vinegaroon trackways, which have been previously undescribed in the fossil record. Research in this venue is on going as the trackways and behaviors of a variety of arthropods have yet to be documented in detail.
Researchers: Schmerge, Riese, Hasiotis.