Rectifacies Rare Chengjiang Arthropod with Preserved Antenna

Description: This rare arthropod is known as Rectifacies abnormalis. The species was one of the larger arthropods found in the Chngjiang Biota, with examples 12 cm in overall length known.. The diversity of soft-tissue fossils is astonishing: algae, medusiforms, sponges, priapulids, annelid like worms, echinoderms, arthropods (including trilobites), hemichordates, chordates, and the first agnathan fish make up just a small fraction of the total. Numerous problematic forms are known as well, some of which may have represented failed attempts at diversity that did not persist to the present day. The taxon has a distinctive polygonally-ornamented surficial detail not known from any other arthropod from the region. This trilobite-like form is thought most closely related to Emeraldella and Sidneyia from the younger Burgess Shale. This one is the first I have had in 5 years to show a preserved antenna; it proceeds to the right some 10 mm. I have included a negative photograph to make it more apparent. This is the most complete example I have seen offered.

Also see: Chengjiang Biota Fauna List Chengjiang Fossils