Olenellus Trilobite

Olenellus terminatus
Lower Cambrian
Pioche Shale
Lincoln County, Nevada

Trilobite approx. size: 1"

Matrix approx. size: 4.5" x 3" x 1"

Olenellus terminatus is a rare trilobite from the Lower Cambrian period. This genus of trilobite lived approximately 522 to 510 million years ago. Fossils of Olenellus terminatus have been found in Lower Cambrian formations in North America, specifically in western areas such as Nevada. These fossils come from the final layer of the Upper Olenellus-zone of the Pioche Formation. Terminatus is derived from the Latin word "terminus", which translates to "final", signifying the end of the Olenellus lineage.

Like other olenellid trilobites, Olenellus terminatus was likely a benthic organism that inhabited shallow marine environments with soft substrates. Its morphology suggests it was an agile crawler, possibly scavenging or filter-feeding on organic detritus. Olenellid trilobites are often preserved in lagerstätten with minimal transport, suggesting in situ burial, likely due to rapid sedimentation events.