Olenellus

OlenellusA fossil of the trilobite Olenellus fowleri, Pioche Shale Formation, Lincoln County, Nevada.

Olenellus, genus of trilobites (extinct arthropods) common in but restricted to Early Cambrian rocks (542 million to 521 million years ago) and thus a useful guide fossil for the Early Cambrian. Olenellus had a well-developed head, large and crescentic eyes, and a poorly developed, small tail.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Citation Information
Article Title: Olenellus
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 14 May 2013
Access Date: February 08, 2025