The local limestone stratigraphy gives paleontologists ample opportunity to find specimens from the class Cephalopoda. These layers are all exposed as part of the Glenshaw formation, the dominant formation within Parks Township. The examples below represent a few of the many different cephalopods genera that are available. Found Cephalopod GenusRead More →
Largely complete, this specimen of Metacoceras, a Paleozoic Cephalopod, was found in a local stream. Facedown in the water, the limestone surface had been eroded by moving water for a period of time. The familiar conch shape of the genus Metacoceras was immediately recognizable. I used a small sledgehammer toRead More →
It’s been a little while since a new Petalodus ohioensis tooth has been found locally. As luck would have it, a new one showed up. This will be a short post, as the tooth is currently missing its cusp. While breaking apart the rock, I happened to split this oneRead More →
This large cephalopod was found in Brush Creek Limestone locally. The body chamber is large and is part of the demineralized layer that is a bit softer. I have spent a few bits of time working away from the limestone while trying to preserve the fossilized shell layer. The shellRead More →
Since my last Solenochilus, it’s been a while since I’ve found something very interesting. This evening I picked up a large rock, drove the 6lb sledge into it on edge and this nice specimen popped off the limestone boulder. The shell detail is really nice, making it easy to identify.Read More →
First described by Norwood and Pratten in 1855, Shansiella carbonaria is a very common fossil gastropod. The species existed from 306.95 to 295 million years ago. The genus Shansiella, first described by Yin in 1932, existed from 360.7 until 254 million years ago. Originally the species was named Pleurotomaria carbonaria.Read More →
Update: The focus genus for identification has changed to Naticopsis. Research is still pending in an effort to better understand this genus. The research below supports information about Mourlonia and will be preserved later. This is an exciting post, as it starts to describe what may become a new speciesRead More →
This specimen is lower crowned than recent ones collected. It is also heavily covered in a white substance that may be mineral aragonite or something else. This being my 11th tooth specimen, I may start reporting on these in groups. The bottom right of the below photo has a pieceRead More →
This is the largest Solenochilus I have found to date. It was found as part of an interesting array of fossils that included Metacoceras, Petalodus and a Trilobite pygidium all in close proximity. As I was removing the Petalodus, I noticed the shell curve, but it was buried in limestone.Read More →
Petalodus ohioensis tooth number 10 is a beautiful specimen. It’s well-shaped, well colored, and has a solid root. I worked the specimen with an air scribe for some time, removing the matrix from a perimeter slowly, before uncovering the tooth itself. Air scribes are useful but troublesome to work with.Read More →