Choice and Enormous Asaphus kowalewskii 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 the trilobite Asaphus kowalewskii. Its caramel-colored Calcite shell is well set off by the white limestone matrix. The genus Asaphus underwent some remarkable adaptations to changes in turbidity during the Ordovician, with this one presumably arising in a time of increased turbidity. One thought is that the trilobite may have lain in wait for prey buried in the bottom sediment with only its 30mm periscope eyestalks protruding. The other fossil (a NATURAL association) is an Orthocone (straight-shelled) Nautilid of the Endoceratida. The namesake taxon Endoceras grew to over 4 meters in length. As always, the skillful Russian preparators have shown this fine specimen to best advantage, well-positioned on its large matrix, a suitable throne for such a huge example.