Trilobites
Trilobites are one of the earliest known groups of arthropods (including animals like lobsters or crabs) as well as one of the most successful early animals, living for over 270 million years. Trilobites are shaped like horseshoes, and often appear to have two main sections: a head and a body. The body is very segmented, making it relatively easy to recognize. In many cases, the segments will break apart and you will find pieces of the trilobites. Here are a couple of trilobites found in Michigan.
And remember! If these don’t exactly match what you found, still click the trilobite which looks closest to your own. Under the Identification Tips are links to view similar trilobites on our 3D model database.
Flat Tailed Trilobite (Trimerus (Dipleura) dekayi)
In Michigan, this type of trilobite can be found in rocks Middle Devonian (393 – 382 million years ago) in age.
Identification Tips
1. Ornamented (bumpy) exoskeleton
2. Flat tail end (pygidium)
See a 3D Model of Trimerus (Dipleura) dekayi
Doesn’t look exactly like what you found? Explore more 3D models of related animals (Class Trilobite, Phylum Arthropoda).
Rounded Head Trilobite (Calymene platys)
In Michigan, this species of trilobite can be found in rocks Middle Devonian (393 – 382 million years ago) in age but other related species can be found from other time periods.
Identification Tips
1. Thick forehead wrinkles (glabellar furrows)
2. Rounded head (cephalon) with no spines
See a 3D Model of Calymene platys
Doesn’t look exactly like what you found? Explore more 3D models of related animals (Class Trilobite, Phylum Arthropoda).
