Panderia tricuetra Rare Russian Ordovician Trilobite

Description: Coming from the Middle Ordovician deposits of the Wolchow River region near Saint Petersburg, Russia, this is an example of a rare trilobite of the genus Panderia. It is obviously related to both Illaenus and Dysplanus, 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 Panderia has EIGHT thoracic segments rather than the TEN of Illaenus or NINE of Dysplanus. The trilobite's 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.