Ceraurus pleurexanthemus Trilobite from Canada

This plate displays a rarely seen example of a trilobite found in the Middle Ordovician Trenton Group deposits of Neuville, Ontario, Canada. This one is different from most trilobites of the region in large measure due to the sweeping genal, pleural, and pygidial spines. The spines presumably in addition to a deterrent to predators probably served to keep the trilobite near the surface of the substrate, much as snowshoes do. This is a very fine, 3-D example of the type.

Also see: Canada Trilobites