Description
The first appearance of trilobites corresponds closely to the Archaeaspids. From the Atdabanian or Cambrian Stage 3, this Archaeaspis is one of the oldest complete trilobites one can attain. It differs slightly from other members of its genus with its wide, elongate thorax. As with many Redlichiid trilobites, narrow zones generally contain a handful of differing yet similar species and this appears to be the case going back to nearly the begining of trilobites.
This reddish brown specimen is nicely contrasted on its host yellowish matrix from the mountains of Nevada. Every trilobite aficionado strives to own one of the oldest trilobites but these specimens, especially good examples, are nearly impossible to obtain on a regular basis.
Further notes: “Archaeaspis macropleuron” is often used incorrectly on Eofallotaspis sp. specimens. Please see last photo here for the original figures from the 2002 Journal Paleontology article that originally describes this species.
