Strange Solnhofen Arthropod Fossil Clausocaris lithographica

Description: Clausocaris is a strange arthropod that is accounted to the group of Thylacocephala. The specimen is a bit faint though well preserved. This would definitely be a unique and odd addition to any serious Solnhofen collection. It is the first I have acquired, and only one available for sale. This is far better preserved than is normally seen

The Thylacocephala are a unique group of extinct arthropods, with possible crustacean affinities. They typically possess a large, laterally flattened carapace that encompasses the entire body. The compound eyes tend to be large and bulbous, and occupy a frontal notch on the carapace. Strangely their stomach was located between the eyes. They possess three pairs of large raptorial limbs, and the abdomen bears a battery of small swimming limbs. The earliest thylacocephalan fossil is thought to date from the lower Cambrian while the class has a definite presence in Lower Silurian marine communities. As a group, the Thylacocephala survived to the Upper Cretaceous. These strange creatures were once assigned to the phyllocarids.

This spectacular fossil comes from the lithographic limestone Solnhofen deposits of Germany. These 150 million year old deposits are famous for their exceptionally well-preserved organisms, the most famous of which are the handful of specimens of the ancient bird Archaeopteryx.