description Elrathia kingii Overview
Elrathia kingii is an extinct ptychopariid trilobite from the Middle Cambrian Wheeler Shale of western Utah. Its fossils are exceptionally abundant in parts of that formation, making it one of the most familiar and commercially collected North American trilobites. The species is recognized by its broad, segmented exoskeleton and is used in paleontological studies of Cambrian marine communities, population structure, and molting.
help Elrathia kingii FAQ
Where can I find Elrathia kingii trilobite fossils?
Elrathia kingii fossils are found in the Middle Cambrian Wheeler Shale of western Utah. They are exceptionally abundant in parts of that formation, making them commercially collected.
How old are Elrathia kingii fossils?
These extinct trilobites lived during the Middle Cambrian period, making them over 500 million years old. They represent some of the most complex life forms from the Cambrian explosion.
What did the Elrathia kingii trilobite eat?
Elrathia kingii was a ptychopariid trilobite that likely fed on organic particles in the mud. As a benthic creature, it lived on the seafloor and foraged for detritus.
Are Elrathia kingii trilobites valuable?
While they are one of the most familiar North American trilobites, their extreme abundance makes common specimens quite affordable. They are frequently sold in rock shops and collected by amateur paleontologists.
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