Olenellus chiefensis Cambrian Trilobite from Pioche Formation


Olenellus chiefensis

(Palmer 1998)

Trilobites Order Redlichiida, Suborder Olenellina, Family Olenellidae

Geological Time: Lower Cambrian

Size: 25 mm

Fossil Site: Pioche Shale Formation, C- Shale, Combined Metals Member, Lincoln County, Nevada


Trilobite Olenellus chiefensis This is a well preserved specimen of a species that has been recently described in 1998. The Olenellus genus is restricted to the early Cambrian (540-520 million years ago), making them good index fossils. They have a most distinctive large cephalon containing crescentic eyes. Most are only found as a preserved cephalon.

click trilobite pictures to enlarge


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