What Is the Three-Eyed “Sea Moth”?
Three-eyed sea moth found under Canada’s ancient waters reveals a glimpse into prehistoric marine life. The “sea moth,” or Mosura fentoni, is a three-eyed marine species that scientists have discovered.
During the Cambrian Explosion, when life on Earth erupted in variety, more than 500 million years ago, this strange species thrived.
The creature’s nickname? It came from the kaiju monster Mothra, due to its moth-like shape.
Three Eyes: Why?
The strangest feature of the Mosura fentoni is its third, median eye. Unlike most creatures with two eyes, this sea moth had an extra eye placed between the other two.
Scientists think this third eye may have helped it detect light, just like dragonflies, which also have multiple eyes. It likely helped the predator stay alert and move through the dark seascape.
How Big Was the Sea Moth?
Don’t let the “moth” in the name fool you—it wasn’t flying.
The Mosura fentoni was tiny, ranging from 0.6 to 2.4 inches long (15 to 61 mm). It had:
- A short head
- A rounded exoskeleton
- Three large eyes
- Paddle-like fins for swimming
- Hooked limbs for catching prey
- Dense rows of gills for breathing
How Did It Hunt?
This ancient marine monster was a predator despite its little size. According to scientists, it used its front appendages to capture food and transfer it into its mouth while hunting shrimp-sized animals.
It was able to move across the ocean in silence because to its paddle-shaped fins. It avoided competition by feeding on tiny species, in contrast to bigger predators..
What Is a Radiodont?
The sea moth belonged to a group of ancient marine animals called radiodonts—arthropods that lived from 520 to 400 million years ago.
One famous radiodont is Anomalocaris, a large predator from the same period. Mosura fentoni is a smaller cousin, but no less deadly in its time.
The Significance of This Finding
The Mosura fentoni fossil contributes to our understanding of early life on Earth. It also demonstrates how organisms with additional senses, such as a third eye, were fashioned by evolution.
Sea moth research is still ongoing and provides insights on how prehistoric species endured and changed in their shifting habitats.
Source: USA Today
