description Crotalocephalus Overview
Crotalocephalus is an extinct genus of trilobites belonging to the family Cheiruridae, with fossils predominantly found in Devonian marine deposits across Europe and North Africa. Paleontologists recognize the genus by its heavily ornamented, nodose exoskeleton and a robust, multi-segmented pygidium, or tail shield, that features spinose margins. Like other trilobites, these arthropods were benthic marine dwellers. Specimens, particularly those from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, are highly sought after by fossil collectors.
help Crotalocephalus FAQ
What kind of fossil animal was Crotalocephalus?
Crotalocephalus was an extinct trilobite genus in the family Cheiruridae. Trilobites were marine arthropods with segmented exoskeletons that lived long before the first dinosaurs.
When did Crotalocephalus live?
Fossils of Crotalocephalus are associated mainly with Devonian marine deposits. The Devonian Period lasted from roughly 419 to 359 million years ago.
Where have Crotalocephalus fossils been found?
The genus is known from Devonian marine deposits across parts of Europe and North Africa. These fossils indicate that it lived in ancient seas rather than on land.
What features help identify Crotalocephalus fossils?
Crotalocephalus is recognized by a heavily ornamented, nodose exoskeleton and a robust multisegmented body. Those surface bumps and strong shell structures are useful clues when comparing cheirurid trilobites.
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