Nankinolithus Ordovician Trilobite

This is a pretty specimen of a member of the Order Asaphida, Family Trinucleidae, this is Nankinolithus. The cephalic pits (fenestrae) that distinguish the Trinucleids are very evident, the means by which this trilobite filtered detritus from the seafloor. The trilobite presumably hovered at the seafloor, using its legs to kick up particulates which then passed through the cephalic ring. The taxon is rarely found with this degree of preservation, which is quite 3-D. The brick-red/orange color is natural.

Also see: Moroccan Trilobites