Terataspis grandis – Giant Trilobite Reconstruction
Age: Middle Devonian
Location: Erie County, New York
Formation: Onondaga Limestone, Williamsville Quarry
Dimensions: Approximately 27 inches long × 17.5 inches wide
Matrix: Approximately 33 × 20 inches
Relief: Approximately 4 inches
Matrix thickness: Approximately 6 inches
A Giant of the Devonian Seas
Terataspis grandis was one of the largest and most spectacular trilobites known from North America. This enormous Devonian arthropod is particularly remarkable for its size and prominent spines.
A completely preserved specimen of Terataspis grandis has never been found. Instead, paleontologists have recovered numerous individual segments and partial remains. Using these fossils, a reconstruction was produced by George Rennie of Connecticut, under the guidance and research of Dr. Copeland MacClintock of Yale University's Division of Invertebrate Paleontology. A reconstruction based on this research has been displayed at the Peabody Museum at Yale.
The species is known from the lower Onondaga Limestone of western New York, particularly the former Fogelsanger Quarry in Williamsville, Erie County, as well as the upper Schoharie Formation of eastern New York.
Only one specimen from New York has been considered sufficiently complete to permit a reasonable reconstruction. That specimen, housed at the Buffalo Museum of Natural History, is preserved upside down and is missing approximately half of the animal longitudinally. Numerous additional pieces are known, allowing paleontologists to better understand the extraordinary proportions and anatomy of this giant trilobite.
What Is a Trilobite?
The name trilobite refers to the three longitudinal divisions of their exoskeleton: the central axial lobe and two outer pleural lobes. Trilobites were marine arthropods, and their bodies were also divided into three major sections:
- Cephalon – the head
- Thorax – the segmented, flexible middle section
- Pygidium – the rear section
The thorax gave these animals considerable flexibility, while the exoskeleton provided protection for the body and supported their complex arthropod anatomy.
Trilobites were remarkably successful marine animals, occupying the world's oceans for hundreds of millions of years before ultimately becoming extinct during the end-Permian mass extinction.
A Spectacular Fossil Reconstruction
At approximately 27 inches long, this reconstruction provides an impressive representation of what Terataspis grandis may have looked like in life. Its enormous size and dramatic spines make it one of the most visually striking trilobites known from the fossil record.
This is an individually produced reproduction/reconstruction, making it an excellent display piece for fossil collectors, museums, classrooms, paleontology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the remarkable arthropods of the Devonian Period.
Production & Ordering
This item is not normally kept in stock and is produced to order.
Please allow approximately 30 days for production prior to shipping.
For additional photographs, questions, or ordering information:
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Customer Review
«“It looks great. Thanks for all the work to get it made.”
— Dave, 5/4/24»