Russian Trilobite Hoplolichas plautini

Many specticular trilobites inspire awe at nature's creativity. Such a display of defensive spines was the outcome of an evolutionary arms race well underway in the Ordovician as predators gained more attributes to eat well, and their prey adapted attributes to avoid being eaten. With more than 100 sharp spines adorning its exoskeleton, Hoplolichas plautini must have been a surprising morsal to the predators of the Ordovician seas.

Specimens such as this require about six weeks of preparation. It's presentation is life-like, and it is hard to imagine a more three-dimensional display of a trilobite.