Day of the Cheirurids

[aek]

After a summer-long hiatus, I went out to look for some trilobites the other day. I wasn't finding much but the weather was just right: overcast, threatening rain clouds, periodic drizzle, a nice breeze, etc.. so I lost track of time. After a few hours and not finding much beyond the usual suspects,, I was getting ready to leave. I split one more and this block contained three Cerauromeros hydei cephali and upon taking a closer look seemed to show indications of being complete. 

 

Gravicalymenes, brachiopod

 

1

 

2

 

3. This one appears to be enrolled. Note the pygidial spine. This will be challenging to prep but I'm going to work on it today. 

 

Number 1 prep progress

 

 

And..ta-da! A little rough, but the matrix wasn't cooperating. The pygidial and genal spines didn't break off during prep, they just weren't there. Dissolved in fossilization. Still happy with these rare finds. I will post results if the roller turns out ok.

 

Edited October 12, 2021 by aek

[Tidgy's Dad]

Very nice indeed! 

[FossilDAWG]

Fantastic finds!    That matrix looks like a bear to prep.

 

Don

[piranha]

Congrats on the great Cerauromeros!

 

The correct spelling of the genus will yield much better search results. Unfortunately, Mikulic et al. have misspelled it in a few papers and various other internet resources have perpetuated the incorrect info.  Přibyl et al. 1985 erected the genus Cerauromeros and assigned Ceraurus hydei as the type species.

 

 

Přibyl, A., Vaněk, J., Pek, I. 1985

Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Family Cheiruridae (Trilobita).

Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis Facultas rerum Naturalium. Geographica-Geologica, 83:107-193

[Ludwigia]

Is that matrix dolomitic? If so, then great prep!!

[aek]

 @pirahna thanks as always for the info. @ludwigia thanks yes,, dolomite . 

 

I have finished preparing the roller. Rather frustrating but still turned out ok. First had to consolidate and break down the rock. Then trim with a saw.The preservation of thoracic segments on the underside something to be desired but I was able to expose pygidial spines somewhat. Still nice to have one prone, one enrolled. Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

[deutscheben]

Very nice finds! Those are lovely little bugs.