Scientists have discovered a three-eyed “sea moth” that lived over 500 million years ago, during the Cambrian Explosion. The Mosura fentoni, or “sea moth,” features a short head, small exoskeleton, and three prominent eyes, as well as appendages, large swimming flaps, and densely packed gills.
The new species was discovered by paleontologists Joseph Moysiuk and Jean-Bernard Caron, who believe it may have used its third eye to detect light and move through its environment. Mosura fentoni lived between 520-400 million years ago and is believed to have hunted small prey like shrimp to avoid competing with other radiodonts in its ecosystem.
One of the most intriguing features of the specimen is its dark, reflective patches called “tonguelettes,” which researchers think may indicate an open circulatory system. This means that Mosura fentoni would have pumped a blood-like substance through its body cavities. The densely packed gills also suggest that the species lived in low-oxygen environments and may have had a more active lifestyle.
The discovery of Mosura fentoni sheds new light on the evolution of ancient arthropods and their ability to adapt to different environments.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/05/15/sea-moth-mosura-fentoni-discovered/83629556007