Diminutive Russian Ordovician Asaphus kowalewskii 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 5 mm periscope eyestalks protruding. This is the smallest example I have come across of a prone specimen in 4 years. As always, the skillful Russian preparators have shown this fine specimen to best advantage, seemingly engaged upon a long journey on its limestone matrix.