Description

Trilobite: Elrathia kingli (260209c)

Species: Elrathia kingli

Age: Cambrian, 400 million years old

Location: Millard County, Utah, Usa

Trilobites are an extinct group of marine arthropods that most closely resemble rolly-pollys (pillbugs) or horseshoe crabs in appearance and ecological niche today. Known as one of the most prolific and prominent groups of animals in prehistory, some collectors devote their entire collections to finding and displaying the various unique and sometimes bizarre species. As one of the first forms of life to develop a compound eye (similar to that of modern flies), these animals could see early all 270 degrees around their bodies to hunt food and avoid becoming lunch themselves.

This is an excellent piece with great detail around the head and body, perfectly prepared in the original slate matrix, which is uncommon for this species, as most have been removed from their material. As is also common, a bit of the head on each side is missing, but this is made up for by the large size of this trilobite in comparison to others of the species and its natural shinyness which is also uncommon.

This rare fossilized trilobite comes from an old collection we purchased back from a longtime collector. As such, this item is of exceptional quality and is no longer readily available on the open market, making now the perfect chance to add this piece to your collection.

Each comes with a stand and a Certificate of Authenticity.