Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Species of Trilobites in Kentucky


One might ask, how many species of trilobites have been found in the state of  Kentucky?

An interesting question, I think I may have fragments of about 7 genera but there are a lot more.

After consulting a book Tracking Trilobites: Adventures in Paleontology by Judy Lundquist, she lists 36 types of trilobite fossils found in Kentucky.  The book is great with pictures/images of about every trilobite listed.  You can find out more at her website: http://home.insightbb.com/~jlq.sci/Judy%20Lundquist.html

Ordovician Period [15 genera]
Acidaspis
Amphilichas
Bathyurus
Calyptaulax (Calliops)
Ceraurinus
Ceraurus
Cryptolithus
Decoroproteus parviusculus (Proetidella)
Flexicalymene
Gravicalymene
Isotelus
Platylichas
Primaspis
Triarthrus
Tricopelta (Chasmops)


Silurian Period [15 genera]
Arctinurus
Aulacopleura
Bumastus
Calymene
Cheirurus
Ceratocephala
Ceraurus
Dalmanites
Encrinurus
Eophacops
Gravicalymene
Opsypharus
Trimerus
Trochurus
Sphaerexochus


Devonian Period [7 genera]
Arctinurus
Calymene
Coronura
Dalmanites
Greenops
Phacops
Proetus


Mississippian Period [2 genera]
Paladin
Piltonia


Pennsylvanian Period [1 genera]
Ditomopyge