Trilobites are considered one of the most successful groups of animals to ever live on planet Earth. They lived for over 300 million years and there have been more than 20,000 different species identified. These creatures are members of the phylum Arthropoda. These animals are classified as having segmented bodies with an exoskeleton to protect their organs and muscles. Living examples include insects, spiders, crabs, lobsters, scorpions, and centipedes. Trilobites get their name as they possessed three lobes to their exoskeleton, cephalon (head), thorax (body), and pygidium (tail).
During the beginnings of the Cambrian Period (~550 million years ago), what is known as modern-day Utah was covered in a shallow sea and rivers. As time pressed forward, waterlines moved across Utah, allowing warm, nutrient-rich waters to house many species of these trilobites. A few common locations in Utah that are famous for producing world-class trilobite specimens are the House Range, and Wellsville Mountains.
Plate Length: 4.1 x 3.9 in.
Weight: 10.2 oz
Fossil Type & Species: Body Fossil in Shale & Elrathia sp.
Location: Utah, United States
You will receive the fossil trilobite pictured. Colors may vary based on screen size and resolution.