Graptolites

Phyllograptus on Phyllograptusshale, Ordovician, NO

Period: Lower Ordovician;Location: Ensjö Quarry, Kristiania, NorwayDimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 cmPhyllograptus is a genus of graptolites belonging to the order Graptoloidea, family Tetragraptidae.Fossils of this genus have been found from the Early Ordovician (475–473 million years ago) in sediments in Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The typical length of a colony of these leaf-shaped animals could reach up to 3.5 centimeters. They were passively mobile planktonic suspension feeders. Phyllograptus species are excellent index fossils for identifying rocks from the Ordovician.

Didymograptus murchisoni, Ordovician, GB-WLS

Specimen with well-preserved graptolite Didymograptus murchisoni (BECK).Graptolites were colony-forming filter feeders that developed organic exoskeletons. Their imprints are typical for the Ordovician and Silurian. The first forms were sessile, the later types like this one floated in the water. They were long thought to be extinct until the deep-sea creatures Rhabdopleura were recognized as graptolites a few years ago.Age: Ordovician;Locality: Abereiddy Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Great BritainSize: approx. 7 cmThe colors on product photos may differ slightly from those of the original specimen for technical reasons.Our photos are for reference only, you will receive a piece of comparable quality with your purchase.

Monograptus chimaera, Upper Silurian; GER

A truly exceptional specimen: the graptolite was removed entirely from the boulder, probably with acid, and is present in isolated three-dimensional (!) preservation.Age: Upper Silurian, Lower Ludlowian;from Pleistocene glacial till;Locality: Berlin-Spandau, Berlin, GermanySize of microslide: 77 x 28 mmColors in product photos may differ slightly from those of the original specimen due to technical reasons.

Monograptus flemingii, Silurian, GER

Period: Silurian;Location: Panitzsch near Taucha, close to LeipzigDimensions: approx. 11.5 cm x 9 cm x 1.5 cmMonograptus is a genus of graptolites belonging to the order Graptoloidea. This genus represents the final stage of graptolite evolution prior to their extinction in the Early Devonian. Characteristic features of the genus include a single-rowed stipe with highly elaborate thecae. This genus comprises a large number of graptolite species and may not be monophyletic.The colours on the pictures may slightly differ from the original specimen.

Monograptus paradoxus, Silurian; GER

Age: Upper Silurian, Zone 15-16;Locality: Ronneburg, Main-Kinzig district, Hesse, GermanySize: approx. 11 x 10 x 0,5 cmMonograptus is a genus of graptolites in the order Graptoloidea. This particular genus is the last stage of the graptoloid evolution before its extinction in the early Devonian. A characteristic of the genus includes one uniserial stipes with very elaborate thecae. This particular genus contains a large number of graptolite species and may not be monophyletic.Colors in product photos may differ from those of the original specimen for technical reasons.