Name:
Asaphus (Neoasaphus) punctatus & Echinosphaerites Age: Ordovician Formation: Asery Level Location: St. Petersburg, Russia Size: Largest trilobite is 3.2 inches long This specimen is not for sale Click here for similar specimens that are for sale
Here is a very striking plate of fossils from the Ordovician of Russia. There are two complete trilobites and one partial trilobite on this large slab of limestone. These trilobites are Asaphus (Neoasaphus) punctatus. This type of Asaphid trilobite has eyes borne on large, thick stalks. The eyes are quite elevated above the carapace. It has been postulated that this type of trilobite buried itself in the mud of the sea bottom with just the eyes exposed. It would then be well hidden from predators. These trilobites are very 3-dimensional and wonderfully prone. The thick, caramel-colored exoskeleton of the trilobites contrasts beautifully with the light-colored matrix. There is also a fine example of a primitive echinoderm on the plate. This is Echinosphaerites sp., a cystoid. This cystoid is totally 3-dimensional and exhibits good detail. The fossils are well positioned on the large, somewhat rounded plate. This is an excellent plate of fossils from the Ordovician.