A morphological and sculptural study of the Ordovician trilobites Triarthrus eatoni and Cryptolithus bellulus from Beecher's trilobite bed

Scientific sculptures of Triarthrus eatoni and Cryptolithus bellulus were created using primarily Apoxy putty and wire armatures based on information gathered directly from fossil specimens, photographs, descriptions, and published drawings. The morphological data were translated into patterns that became the basis for clay carapace sculptures. A latex and plaster mold was created over the clay, which was then replaced with Apoxy putty. Appendages were made separately, based on similar morphological studies, and added to each sculpture. Finally, the complete sculptures were finished and painted using a conservative interpretation of color based on extant large benthic marine crustaceans. This research supports the current thinking concerning the shape of the carapace of T. eatoni, which appears wider than previously believed. Moreover, enlarged photographs may provide clearer evidence of morphological details of the pygidium of Cryptolithus species.