Cambrian Explosion Dicerocaris Phyllocarid Fossil

Dicerocaris opisthoeces

Phylum: Arthropoda, Subphylum Crustacea, Class Malacostraca, Subclass Phyllocarida

Geological Time: Early/Middle Cambrian (~520 million years ago)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossils is 30 mm long overall by 14 mm across on a 60 mm by 80 mm matrix.

Fossil Site: Wheeler Shale, Millard County, Utah

Code: ND022

Price: Sold


Cambrian Explosion Dicerocaris Phyllocarid FossilDescription: This unusual Phyllocarid arthropod is known as Dicerocaris. 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. So far only the carapace has been found. Note the process extending past the shells; this is the source of the name meaning two spined. Like the fossils of the Burgess Shale this one has the exoskeleton preserved as a shiny film.

Reference: University of Kansas Paleontological Contributions, Paper 106, December 16, 1981.

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