Detailed Silurian Odontopleurid Trilobite Acanthalomina minuta

Acanthalomina minuta

Trilobite Order Lichida, Family Odontopleuridae)

Geological Time: Silurian

Size: 6 mm long by 4 mm wide on a 37 mm by 33 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Kopaninske Formation, Kosov, Czech Republic


Acanthalomina minutaDescription: Well-preserved example of a member of the Order Lichida, Family Odontopleuridae, with dramatically-displayed spines for such a minute taxon, a feature not often preserved intact. This one also has much of the pustulose exoskeleton preserved as a rich white patina which contrasts well with the dark matrix. Some examples of this diminutive spiny trilobite have been found in Spain and the Western United States, showing it had a more global range than many others from the region. Trilobites from the region are becoming more difficult to obtain as old deposits become played out or placed off-limits by the government, making examples as fine as this even more rare. I would recommend Milan Snajdr's excellent book to anyone interested in the Bohemian trilobites.



l Fossil Mall Home l Fossils Science Section l Trilobites l