Tiny trilobite ID needed

[Jersey]

Is this tiny trilobite from the U-Dig Quarry near Delta Utah a Brachyaspidion microps or is it something else? I realize that the pygidium is covered but I don't want to expose any more of the trilobite because I know that it would pop off the shale.  Thanks.

[Fossildude19]

Enlarged and Cropped:

 

 

 

[piranha]

Juvenile Elrathia is a better match. Brachyaspidion microps has a stubby spine on the occipital ring and the course of the facial sutures are positioned differently.

 

 

Robison, R.A. 1971

Additional Middle Cambrian Trilobites From the Wheeler Shale of Utah. Journal of Paleontology, 45(5):796-804

[Jersey]

Thanks Piranha!

 

 

 

 

 

[Huntonia]

6 hours ago, Jersey said:

I don't want to expose any more of the trilobite because I know that it would pop off the shale.  Thanks.

Can you add a scale in millimeters? I've prepped an Elrathia similar in size, I think with the right tools this one can be exposed safely 

[Jersey]

Do you mean take a photo with a millimeter ruler next to the trilobite? I could do that. But regarding exposing more of the trilobite, I wouldn't risk it.  There is separation from the shale that doesn't show up in the photograph and I am just letting it be rather than take a chance with it.

[Paleome]

I agree with Piranha.  It may be a meraspid of Elrathia, especially if it is tiny, like smaller than a 1/2-1/4" or therabouts.  Immature can look like tiny mature of other,  smaller types.  One really needs to see the total piece, then taken in consideration with its size, can a better determination be made.  I wouldn't worry about prepping it more, to be sure.  If they are total to begin with, they usually pop out totally.  Just be very gentle with the matrix; it yields fairly easily.