Rare Mazon Creek Isopod Hesslerella with Exceptional Preservation

This specimen is a rarely seen Isopod known as Hesslerella, and represents the earliest known Isopod in the fossil record. The rounded head with protruding eyes make it easily recognized. While seldom seen, Hesslerella from the Mazon Creek Lagerstatte are known for exceptional preservation, as seen here. This specimen comes from an old collection, and has the original owner’s file information and inventory number on the nodule.