Trilobite (Irvingella species B) - Bull River Valley, Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

For those looking for something quite unique here is a relatively new (to science) trilobite called Irvingella (species B). It has not yet been fully described - hence the odd name - and I have several to pick from. This trilobite has recently been collected from the Upper Cambrian McKay Group in the Bull River Valley, east of Cranbrook and Fort Steele, BC.

This is the smallest example I currently have available measuring just under 1 cm long. Like most McKay Group trilobites, this one contrasts nicely against the gray slate matrix. The prominent genial and pleural spines of this species are partially present. One genial spine appears to be bent to one side protruding to the left of the head (cephalon) while the right side is missing. One well-preserved pleural spine is present on the lower right side of the thorax (body). Unfortunately the left pleural spine is missing. Upon close examination, there is some minor damage or missing pieces to the thorax and cephalon. This species is quite uncommon and is still being researched so any example is special indeed. 

British Columbia fossils are illegal to sell, except under special circumstances. I represent a team that has claims on several trilobite localities in BC that have been legally grandfathered into older legislation. This allows them to legally excavate, prepare and sell fossils from these particular claims, including this specimen. Mostly, they collect for themselves and only sell specimens to fund their collecting expenses. They simply love fossils and field collecting. Additionally, they have done a terrific job allowing the scientific community and local fossil clubs and school groups onto their claims for research, collecting and education. In my opinion, they are going above and beyond any legal requirements. As the Star Wars character The Mandalorian says, this is the way. 

For those interested in learning more about the trilobites of the McKay Group I recommend the following scientific paper: Furongian (Upper Cambrian) trilobites from the McKay Group, Bull River Valley, near Cranbrook, southeastern British Columbia, Canada (2016) by Brian D. E. Chatterton and Stacey Gibb in Palaeontographica Canadiana No 35. It is jointly published by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (now known as the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association) and the Geological Association of Canada.

Fossil: Trilobite
Species: Irvingella (species B)
Age: Upper Cambrian
Formation: McKay Group
Locality: Bull River Valley, East of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
Dimensions: Trilobite size: 90mm long
Plate size: 7 x 3.5 cm