Description
This piece is the pure definition of soft tissue preservation. This plate features two exceptional examples of the myodocopid ostracod species, Luprisca incuba. The species name roughly translates to “Goddess who sits on eggs” and is currently the oldest definitive evidence in the fossil record for reproductive brooding behavior. Both specimens are fantastic with one being truly definitive in its preservation and display. Large juveniles appear lined up on the edge of the mother’s carapace ready to launch in the same manner ostracods do today. Female ostracods use this space between their shell and body to protect, hatch and nurture their young. This incredible behavior was already highly developed in the Late Ordovician Period, some 450 million years ago. Absolutely stunning fossil.
Age: Late Ordovician
Species Name: Luprisca incuba
Order / Family: Ostracoda / N/A
Locality: Oneida County, New York (Beecher’s Trilobite Bed)
Formation: Frankfort Shale
