description Pterocephalia Overview
Pterocephalia is an extinct genus of Late Cambrian trilobites assigned to the family Pterocephaliidae. Fossils are known from North American deposits. The genus is distinguished by a broad pygidium, the terminal body shield of a trilobite, with prominent marginal and pleural spines. These features make Pterocephalia useful for comparing the morphology and distribution of ptychopariid trilobites in Late Cambrian fossil assemblages.
help Pterocephalia FAQ
What kind of trilobite was Pterocephalia?
Pterocephalia was an extinct Late Cambrian trilobite in the family Pterocephaliidae. Fossils of the genus are known from North American deposits.
What feature distinguishes Pterocephalia?
It is distinguished by a broad pygidium, the terminal body shield of a trilobite. The pygidium has prominent marginal and pleural spines.
When did Pterocephalia live?
Pterocephalia lived during the Late Cambrian. The available description gives the geological interval but does not provide an exact numerical age.
What are pleural spines on Pterocephalia?
Pleural spines are projections associated with the side regions of the trilobite body segments. In Pterocephalia, they are part of the prominent spiny structure around the broad pygidium.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
