Panopeus purpureus
Class Malacostraca, Order Decapoda, Family Carpiliidae
Geological Time: Eocene
Size: Crab fossil is 2 7/8” in width
Fossil Site: Lincoln Creek Formation, Porter, Washington
Fossil Code: PFD241
Price: Sold
 Description:
Among the world’s best-preserved crab fossils are those occurring
in western Washington state. Generally the crabs quickly fall apart
after death. So for these crabs to be found is so fine a state
of preservation in a rarity. They must have been buried soon after
death. The crabs are found in concretions along the sides of creeks
and beds of local streams. Long painstaking hours of work are required
to prepare them.
This aesthetic, Panopeus purpureus is an excellent example. Eight of ten appendages have been at least partially preserved. Note the unusual texture preserved on the claws, offset by the light colored, almost translucent carapace. It is fully inflated, well centered and 3D. |
