Description
Authentic Asaphiscus wheeleri Trilobite in Matrix – House Range, Antelope Springs
This listing offers a genuine Asaphiscus wheeleri trilobite fossil, naturally preserved in its original matrix from the renowned House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA. This species is one of the classic trilobites associated with Utah’s Cambrian deposits, valued for its beautifully balanced form, smooth exoskeleton, and excellent preservation. Every specimen is carefully selected for its clarity and natural appeal, and the photos show a representative example of what you will receive. As always, the fossil is 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete confidence
Geological Background – Cambrian Seas of the House Range
The House Range is world-famous for its exceptional Cambrian fossil localities, including the prolific beds at Antelope Springs. During the Middle Cambrian, this region lay beneath a warm, shallow sea that supported a flourishing diversity of early marine life. Fine sedimentation, combined with periodic low-oxygen conditions on the seafloor, allowed trilobites and other organisms to fossilise with remarkable definition.
The shale and limestone strata of the House Range document a dynamic marine environment shaped by shifting sea levels, storm events, and evolving benthic communities. Fossils from this locality provide important insights into early arthropod evolution, seabed ecology, and the emergence of complex marine ecosystems following the Cambrian Explosion.
Species Overview – Asaphiscus wheeleri (Order Ptychopariida)
Asaphiscus wheeleri is a distinctive trilobite belonging to the order Ptychopariida, a diverse group known for their streamlined cephalons, multiple thoracic segments, and well-defined pygidia. This species is especially appreciated by collectors for its wide-bodied profile and graceful proportions.
Key features often observed in Asaphiscus wheeleri include:
- Broad, rounded cephalon with a pronounced glabella
- Smooth exoskeleton, lacking heavy spines or ornamentation
- Numerous thoracic segments with evenly spaced pleurae
- Well-defined pygidium, proportionate to the rest of the body
- Symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing outline, making it ideal for display
Preserved in matrix, these fossils offer a natural and scientifically valuable presentation, capturing the trilobite exactly as it lay on the Cambrian seafloor.
Palaeontological Significance – Antelope Springs Fossils
Antelope Springs is one of the most iconic trilobite-collecting localities in the world. For generations, researchers, students, and collectors have travelled to this site to study and recover its exceptionally preserved fossils. The area yields a wide diversity of trilobite species, including Asaphiscus wheeleri, making it a cornerstone for understanding mid-Cambrian biodiversity.
The matrix surrounding each trilobite tells its own story—fine bedding planes reflect ancient sedimentation patterns, while the fossil itself preserves features of early arthropod anatomy that have contributed greatly to palaeontological research. Specimens from this locality are represented in museum collections worldwide.
Your Genuine Fossil Specimen
- Species: Asaphiscus wheeleri
- Geological Age: Middle Cambrian
- Locality: House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA
- Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Condition: Naturally preserved trilobite in original matrix
- Sizing: Full measurements shown in listing photographs
- Representative Photos: You will receive a specimen of comparable quality
This Asaphiscus wheeleri trilobite in matrix is an excellent addition for collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts. Its elegant morphology, well-preserved structure, and deep geological significance make it a valuable and captivating fossil from one of Earth’s earliest complex ecosystems.
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