Cheirurina

Cheirurina is an extinct subfamily of trilobites belonging to the order Phacopida and the family Cheiruridae. These trilobites flourished during the Devonian period. They are characterized by their distinctive morphology, often featuring a prominent, often spinose, glabella and a segmented pygidium that can be elaborate in shape. The genus Cheirurus itself is well-known within this group.

Fossils of Cheirurina have been found in marine sedimentary rocks across various continents, indicating a wide geographic distribution. Their presence in the fossil record helps paleontologists understand the paleoecology and paleobiogeography of Devonian marine environments. The specific ecological role of Cheirurina is inferred from their morphology and the associated fossil assemblages. They are generally considered to have been benthic organisms, likely inhabiting soft substrates on the seafloor. Their precise feeding strategies are subject to ongoing research, but some evidence suggests they may have been detritivores or scavengers.

The classification of Cheirurina within the Cheiruridae family is based on shared anatomical features, particularly in the structure of the cephalon (head shield) and pygidium (tail shield). However, like many extinct groups, the exact phylogenetic relationships and the boundaries of the subfamily have been subject to revision as new fossil discoveries and analytical techniques become available. The study of Cheirurina contributes to the broader understanding of trilobite evolution and the diversification of marine life during the Paleozoic Era.