Rare Dysplanus acutigenia Russian trilobite

Description: Coming from the Middle Ordovician Asery Level deposits of the Wolchow River region near Saint Petersburg, Russia, this is an example of a rare trilobite of the genus Dysplanus. It is obviously related to Illaenus, having a similar high profile of the cephalon, presumably a feature that allowed it to plow the substrate looking for a meal. One of the most obvious differences is that Dysplanus has NINE thoracic segments rather than the TEN of Illaenus. The trilobite itself is 1.6 inches long (measured along the curve) and 0.9 inches wide at the genal spines. Its dark caramel-colored Calcite shell is well set off by the white limestone matrix, with the trilobite preserved well centered. This is a taxon is only very rarely seen, and typically sells for a much higher price. As always, the skillful Russian preparators have shown this fine 3-D specimen to best advantage.