Description
An extremely rare Oryctocephalites palmeri with preserved antennae from the Pioche Shale of Nevada. This diminutive species is one of the first Corynexochid (well known examples of this order include Olenoides, Albertella, Zacanthoides) trilobites appearing in the Lower Cambrian and sharing the waters with Olenellid trilobites. Orytocephalites is almost always found in ventral (upside down) pose for unknown reasons. The species closely resembles Olenoides. This specimen measures 1 cm with two well preserved antennae included in the length. Specimens from the Pioche Shale are generally completely replaced in reddish iron. The antennae show excellent segmentation including areas where they wrap around the hypostome of the trilobite (see diagram). Rare species opportunity with soft tissue preservation.
Age: Lower Cambrian
Species Name: Oryctocephalites palmeri
Order / Family: Corynexochida / Oryctocephalidae
Locality: Lincoln County, Nevada
Formation: Pioche Shale
