Name: Hoplolichas furcifer (Russian Trilobites)
Age: Ordovician
Size: mm (25.4mm=1 inch): 57 mm long by 50 mm wide on a 100 by 110 mm matrix.
Location: Asery level, St. Petersburg region, Wolchow river, Russia
 Description:
A well-inflated example of a dramatic member of the Lichida, this
is Hoplolichas furcifer. The golden Calcite exoskeleton is complemented
by the white limestone matrix. The spines most likely served a defensive
purpose, offering a spiky mouthful for any would-be predator. The
lichids are highly-prized trilobites, with this example prepared in
the freestanding mode upon its limestone pedestal, an effort that
takes quite a bit of preparation time. In addition, the Hypostome
which served as a support for the mouthparts is prepared out as well. |
