Acanthotelson
stimpsoni
Class
Crustacea, Order Syncarida
Geological
Time: Pennsylvanian (~300 m.y.a.)
Size: Fossil
is 40 mm lon,g Matrix: 52 mm by 40 mm
Fossil Site:
Mazon Creek, Pit 11, Francis Creek shale, Braidwood, Illinois
 Description:
The Mazon Creek deposits of the region near Braidwood, Illinois
rival the other famous Lagerstatten of the Burgess Shale, Solnhofen,
and Liaoning for the variety of detailed life preserved. Many exquisitely
preserved specimens are found in the ironstone nodules  that
make up the deposits. The majority of collecting areas are the spoil
heaps of abandoned coal mines, the most famous of which is Peabody
Coal Pit 11. Pit 11 now serves as a cooling pond for the Braidwood
nuclear power plant, but with over 100 other localities, specimens
still come to light.
This
specimen is of a genus that had a well-sclerotized cuticle, making
for fine preservation with distinct segmental rings. The styliform
telson is most distinctive.
Also
see: Rare and Museum Fossils |
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