Rare Ceraurus plattinensis Trilobite from Canada

Description: This plate displays a rarely seen example of a trilobite found in the Middle Bobcaygeon Formation deposits of Ontario, Canada. This one is different from most trilobites of the region in large measure due to the sweeping genal, pleural, and pygidial spines. The spines presumably in addition to a deterrent to predators probably served to keep the trilobite near the surface of the substrate, much as snowshoes do. While this one was listed by the seller as Ceraurus plattinensis, it has some morphological differences, particularly in the genal spines, that lead me to believe it may be something else. Both C. plattinensis and this example are quite rare. Indeed, of a selection of 2 dozen Ceraurus, only 2 were of this type, making it one of the rarest of the rare. This is a very fine, 3-D example of the type, a trilobite sought after by many collectors. The region has been collected out. This fine example has been in a private collection for some 30 years, and has just recently become available.