Trilobites
Trilobites are extinct arthropods (joint legged animals). Many people
assume that the name comes from the three section of the trilobite (head (cephalon),
body (thorax), and tail (pygidium) but in fact, the name is derived from
the three longitudinally lobes (left, right and center). Most trilobites had
a compound eye (similar to a fly) but some were blind. As trilobites grew, they shed
their exoskeletons, just like the modern shrimp or lobster. Because of shedding, most trilobite
fossils are found as sections of the head, body or tail. Complete intact trilobites
are very rare and prized by collectors. Many of the trilobites pictured here are
rare and difficult to find intact. The picture below is schematic of a
trilobite.
All photographs on these web pages are not to be copied or used for any purpose without my written permission.
Click on image to enlarge and see more details. On that page you can click on the image again for a full page view of the specimen.