Description: This unusual Phyllocarid arthropod is known as Ceratiocaris papilio. Phyllocarids are one of the lesser known branchiopod crustaceans from the Cambrian where they are among the earliest animals with a hard shell. They have a fairly large carapace, which protects the anterior part of the body. This structure hinged along the dorsal edge like a bivalve. Usually only the carapace is found. Rarely are the soft parts preserved such as they are in this fine specimen. Colloquially termed the “pod shrimp”, the name for the genus actually means horned shrimp, presumably for the pointed extension at the front of the carapace. This piece shows examples of no less than FOUR specimens, the only extensive death assemblage I have seen in 10 years.