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Beautiful Red Elrathia kingii trilobite fossil on a rainbow matrix. House Range of Utah

Elrathia Trilobite Facts and Information - The Details

Elrathia kingii trilobite fossils of the Cambrian are one of the most recognizable and abundant fossils. They are found in huge concentrations in certain layers of the Wheeler shale in Utah. They are so abundant, there are comercial quarries in Utah dedicated to extracting these trilobite fossils.

Elrathia trilobites have a wide thorax and have short genial spines on their cephalon. Other than that, they are rather plain looking. The typical size of an Elrathia is around an inch. Small ones are mere millimeters in length, while large ones can get around 2 inches in length.

Their mouth parts and body shape suggest they were particle feeders that scavenged the ocean floor. One interesting fact about Elrathia is they are found in zones below the oxygen level required by most organisms, in a zone called the exareobic, a zone that borders the anaerobic zone, which lacks sufficient oxygen. This may be why Elrathia are preserved in such vast numbers, as poor oxygen environments are more favorable for fossilization.

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Where to find Elrathia Trilobite Fossils

Elrathi trilobites are mainly found in the Cambrian Wheeler Shale in Utah and Nevada. They are the most common trilobite found in these areas.

To try and find your own Elrathi kingii trilobites, I would suggest going to the U-Dig quarry near Delta, Utah.

Click here to read about my trilobite fossil collecing trip in the Wheeler Shale near Delta, Utah

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Recommended Trilobite and Fossil Hunting Books:

Trilobites from Fossil Era
Trilobite fossils are some of the most beautiful and collectible fossils in the world! There are countless species of trilobites. They make beautiful display and conversation pieces. Common ones make very affordable for gifts to fossil and paleontology enthusiasts. Fossil Era has a huge selection of top quality trilobites from many states and many countries. It's fun just to browse through the inventory and look at all the different types!

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Elrathia Kingii Fossil Examples

Elrathia kingii from the House Range in Utah

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