To me this Olenellus fowleri is one of the most beautiful trilobites in the fossil record. With its 34 mm (1.4") it is one of the biggest examples of this spectacular arthropod ever found. Coming from an old collection, it was recently re-prepared showing its gracile beauty. The trilobite sits in a field of dendrite crystal patterns which also cover the fossil. The rarely seen opistothorax (secondary thorax) is complete on this specimen. The opistothorax is likely an evolutionary remnant from trilobites close relation to annelids.

Olenellus fowleri

Lower Cambrian (513 - 501 mil. y)

Pioche shale, Lincoln co. Nevada, USA

34 mm - 1.4"

Museum quality