Description

Trilobite: Selenopeltis buchii & Brittle Stars (260219m)

Species: Selenopeltis buchii (Trilobite) & Ophiura sp. (Brittle stars)

Age:  Ordovician, 450 million years old

Location: Morocco

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 unmistakable species of trilobite is known for its rectangular body and long spines that originate from each body segment. Accompanying the beautiful species are three brittle stars, named due to their thin “brittle” arms compared to other types of seastars. This plate is a great display piece with excellent composition and no restoration or repair work. The plate has been sealed and hardened to prevent breakages, but is otherwise completely natural with no artificial colors added.

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 Certificate of Authenticity and a stand.