Ordrupia

Ordrupia is a genus of extinct arthropods belonging to the class Marrellomorpha. These creatures lived during the Ordovician period. Fossils of Ordrupia have been found in the Fezouata Formation of Morocco.

Ordrupia is characterized by its distinct morphology, including a complex arrangement of spines and a segmented body. Its cephalic shield exhibits prominent lateral spines, and its body segments bear biramous appendages. The exact function of the spines is still debated, but they may have served as protection or sensory structures.

The phylogenetic placement of Ordrupia within Marrellomorpha and its relationship to other arthropod groups is an area of ongoing research. The exceptional preservation of fossils in the Fezouata Formation provides valuable insights into the morphology and evolution of early arthropods. Studies of Ordrupia contribute to a broader understanding of arthropod diversity and the evolution of key arthropod features during the Ordovician period.