Detailed Silurian Odontopleurid Trilobite Acanthalomina minuta

Description: Well-preserved example of a member of the Order Lichida, Family Odontopleuridae, with dramatically-displayed spines for such a minute taxon, a feature not often preserved intact. This one also has much of the pustulose exoskeleton preserved as a rich white patina which contrasts well with the dark matrix. Some examples of this diminutive spiny trilobite have been found in Spain and the Western United States, showing it had a more global range than many others from the region. Trilobites from the region are becoming more difficult to obtain as old deposits become played out or placed off-limits by the government, making examples as fine as this even more rare. I would recommend Milan Snajdr's excellent book to anyone interested in the Bohemian trilobites.