Odontocephalus aegeria


Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Trilobita
Order
Phacopida
Suborder
Phacopina
Superfamily
Dalmanitoidea
Family
Dalmanitidae
Binomial Name
Odontocephalus aegeria
Formation
Onodaga Limestone
Locale
Perry County, PA
Age
Middle Devonian
Notes

This Dalmanitid trilobite is unusual for having a double pointed pygidium, but the chief feature of this trilobite is at the other end. The strange cog teeth along the front are a feature unique to the genus.

This species has a sad history. The specimens were dug up in the 80s before modern air abrasion preparation techniques were widely used. The trilobites were "prepared" by having the limestone around them removed with acid. This had the unfortunate side effect of dissolving the trilobite shell as well. The carapace would be "restored" with shoe polish.

I have one of a handful of specimens that were fortunately left unprepared in a box for a few decades. They were prepped relatively recently with air abrasion, and have real shell. So this is one of the good ones.

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Odontocephalus aegeria


Picture of Odontocephalus aegeria
Picture of Odontocephalus aegeria