Elrathia kingii Trilobite With Preserved Bite Mark
Anomalocaris Food

Coming from the Cambrian Wheeler Formation deposits of Millard County Utah this is a detailed example of the trilobite Elrathia kingii. These trilobites are often found with disarticulated or missing free cheeks. This fine example is well-articulated, with a dark black exoskeleton which contrasts well with the beige shale matrix which derives its color from its high organic content. This is a small example, rarely seen in such a fine state. What makes this even more rare is the fact a section of the left pleural lobe is missing, the result of the trilobite’s being bitten, presumably by an Anomalocaris. Interestingly, these bites are typically found on the right side of the trilobite, indicating some preferred attack mode by the terror of the Cambrian. This one was preyed upon by a directionally-challenged one, however, as it is the left lobe that is damaged, only the third such example I have seen.