How did insects conquer land? A 324-million-year-old fossil with 24 legs and paddle-like abdominal limbs suggests some of their earliest ancestors may have lived in water before becoming terrestrial

A 324-million-year-old fossil from Texas offers new insights into early insect evolution. This ancient creature possessed an unusual 24-legged body plan, including paddle-like abdominal appendages. These features suggest an adaptation to humid or semi-aquatic environments during its early development. The discovery challenges the notion of a direct aquatic-to-terrestrial transition for all insect ancestors. This finding highlights the complex and diverse early evolution of insects no longer seen today.

Raccontata daeconomictimes.indiatimes.com