IMMENSE Perspicaris Phyllocarid Shelled Arthropod

Description: This unusual Phyllocarid arthropod is known as Perspicaris . Phyllocarids are one of the lesser known branchiopod crustaceans from the Cambrian where they are among the earliest animals with a hard shell. They have a fairly large carapace, which protects the anterior part of the body. This structure hinged along the dorsal edge like a bivalve. Usually only the carapace is found. It is similar to Branchiocaris, a typical example of which is shown next to this IMMENSE specimen, the largest non-Tuzoia Phyllocarid I have ever come across. Perspicaris is more rarely found than Branchiocaris, so this specimen is made even more rare due to its size.