Description
This is a beautifully aesthetic Olenellus gilberti measures 3.1 cm and is situated on a colorful, banded matrix piece featuring dendrite growths. The trilobite is a perfect specimen curving its thorax in a life-like position with a whipped telson (tail spine). The telson on this specimen is extremely long, with a flattened ribbon quality. The telson on these early trilobites were likely used for stabilized swimming as well as flipping the trilobite over when needed. While the stiff, the spine was likely prone to breakage accounting for the varied lengths across the individuals.
Age: Lower Cambrian
Species Name: Olenellus gilberti
Order / Family: Redlichiida / Olenellidae
Locality: Lincoln County, Nevada
Formation: Pioche Shale
