Asaphiscus wheeleri Trilobite Fossil Cambrian Utah USA Genuine Display COA Wheeler Shale House Range Antelope Springs Specimen


£ 144.00

GENUINE ASAPHISCUS WHEELERI TRILOBITE FOSSIL

This listing is for a genuine Asaphiscus wheeleri trilobite fossil from the
famous Wheeler Shale, dating to the Middle Cambrian, collected from the House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA. This is a carefully chosen fossil specimen, selected for its natural history value, classic Cambrian age, and strong appeal as a collectable trilobite display piece. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, allowing you to view the preservation, matrix, body outline, surface detail, colour, and overall appearance before purchase. For full sizing, please see the photo.

This fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that it is a genuine fossil specimen.

FOSSIL TYPE AND SPECIES

Asaphiscus wheeleri is a trilobite, an extinct marine arthropod that lived in the ancient seas of the Cambrian Period. Trilobites are one of the most iconic fossil groups in the world, known for their segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and distinctive three-lobed form. Their body is divided lengthwise into a central axial lobe and two side lobes, and crosswise into three main regions: the cephalon, thorax, and pygidium.

Asaphiscus wheeleri is one of the classic trilobites associated with the Wheeler Shale of Utah. It is a popular species among collectors because of its recognisable Cambrian form, scientific interest, and connection to one of North America’s most famous fossil-bearing formations. The genus Asaphiscus belongs to the order Ptychopariida, a major group of Cambrian trilobites that played an important role in early marine ecosystems.

MIDDLE CAMBRIAN GEOLOGICAL AGE

This fossil dates from the Middle Cambrian, making it approximately 500 million years old. The Cambrian Period is one of the most important chapters in the history of life, famous for the rapid diversification of animal forms often called the Cambrian Explosion. During this time, marine ecosystems became far more complex, with trilobites, early arthropods, sponges, brachiopods, worms, algae, and other organisms occupying the sea floor and water column.

When Asaphiscus wheeleri was alive, life on land had not yet developed into the familiar forests, plants, insects, and animals we know today. The oceans were the main centres of biodiversity, and trilobites were among the most successful and abundant animals of their time. Their mineralised exoskeletons gave them an excellent chance of preservation, especially when buried in fine marine sediments.

WHEELER SHALE AND UTAH FOSSIL LOCALITY

This specimen comes from the Wheeler Shale, a world-renowned Middle Cambrian formation in Utah, USA. The Wheeler Shale is especially famous for preserving trilobites and other soft-bodied Cambrian organisms in fine-grained marine sediment. Fossils from this formation are highly valued by collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts because they provide a detailed window into early animal life.

The House Range and Antelope Springs area of Millard County, Utah is one of the classic collecting regions for Wheeler Shale trilobites. During the Middle Cambrian, this area lay beneath a shallow marine environment along the western margin of ancient North America. Fine muds accumulated on the sea floor, burying organisms and preserving their remains over hundreds of millions of years.

TRILOBITE FORM AND NATURAL FEATURES

Asaphiscus wheeleri typically has a broad, oval body shape with a well-defined cephalon, segmented thorax, and pygidium. The thoracic segments show the articulated design that allowed trilobites to move across the ancient sea floor. These features make the fossil both visually appealing and scientifically interesting, offering a clear example of early arthropod anatomy.

As a genuine fossil, this specimen may show natural features such as matrix attachment, mineral staining, slight compression, small chips, weathered areas, fine cracks, or partial preservation. These characteristics are normal in authentic fossil material and reflect the specimen’s long geological history. The photo shows the exact fossil being offered, so all visible details can be inspected before purchase.

COLLECTABLE CAMBRIAN TRILOBITE DISPLAY SPECIMEN

This Asaphiscus wheeleri trilobite fossil is ideal for fossil collectors, geology students, educational collections, natural history displays, school teaching resources, or anyone interested in genuine prehistoric life. Its combination of Cambrian age, Wheeler Shale origin, Utah locality, and classic trilobite anatomy makes it a strong addition to any fossil cabinet or display collection.

The specimen comes exactly as shown in the photo and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, making it a reliable choice for collectors seeking a genuine Asaphiscus wheeleri fossil, Cambrian trilobite, Wheeler Shale specimen, Utah fossil, or authentic natural history display piece.