Rare Carboniferous Horseshoe Crab Fossil Euproops rotundatus

Description: Xiphosura (horseshoe crabs) are related to the extinct Eurypterids, and more distantly to spiders and scorpions. They trace their ancestry back to the Cambrian, and proceed into the modern day as the genus Limulus. This one is most like the more common member of the genus Euproops danae found in the Mazon Creek deposits of Illinois. The distinguishing feature of Euproops is the far more rounded (rotund) aspect. The UK location from which this very 3-D specimen was collected is currently now land-filled. This specimen has been lightly enhanced with a water based organic coloring agent. If you wish, it can be easily washed off.