Name: Hoplolichas
furcifer
Class
Trilobita, Trilobite
Order Lichida
Geological
Time: Middle Ordovician, Asery Horizon
Size: 57
mm long
Fossil Site:
St
Petersburg, Russian Trilobites
| A
well-inflated example of a dramatic member of the Lichida, this
is Hoplolichas furcifer. The golden Calcite exoskeleton is complemented
by the white limestone matrix. The spines most likely served a defensive
purpose, offering a spiky mouthful for any would-be predator. The
lichids are highly-prized trilobites, with this example prepared
in the freestanding mode upon its limestone pedestal, an effort
that takes quite a bit of preparation time. In addition, the Hypostome
that served as a support for the mouthparts is prepared and clearly
visible.
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