Illustrator signature must be included in all reproductions Carboniferous forest. Illustration of a flooded forest containing primitive plant species and fauna that existed during the Carboniferous period (360 to 286 million years ago). At bottom centre is a Hylonomus reptile. Its prey, a giant dragonfly (Meganeura monyi) is at left. The plants included Lepidodendron, an ancient lycopod also known as a scale tree. The Carboniferous forests gave rise to the coal deposits that fuel industry today.