Olenellus sp Trilobite from Canada

An outcome of the Cambrian explosion, the Olenellid trilobites are morphologically diverse and constitute a major suborder within the order Redlichiida. There are more than 50 genera and subgenera that are an important basis for stratigraphic subdivision in Lower Cambrian rocks. Importantly, members of Olenellina rank among the earliest trilobites in Cambrian statigraphy, dating to about 560 million years ago. Morphologically primitive, its evolutionary origin from Precambrian, segmented worms (if you subscribe to this hypothesis) is evident.

Here we have Olenellus sp. It comes from the Lower Cambrian, Eager formation near Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. It has not yet been described.

The trilobite has a dark and glossy exoskeloton and is exquisitely preserved, abeit the end of the genal and pygidial spines are missing, as is commonly the case. The pix are testiment to the detailed articulation.