Pittsford Member, Vernon Formation
Spring House Commons Sit
the rock layers were being excavated, this fine
specimen came into view. It is naturally wet because of
groundwater that courses through the layers of shale
and dolomitic mudstone. After the photo was taken,
the specimen dried out and was covered by a thin film
of clay nearly making the specimen invisible. Note
whitish area of head (carapace). Upon drying, the
entire animal took on this whitish cast. This specimen
was preserved right-side-up. Counterpart was also
retrieved during this study.
CIURCA
Hughmilleria socialis in 3D, ie. the prosoma is essentially uncrushed
due to preservation in a dolomitic unit of the Pittsford Member (E) of
the lower Vernon Formation. Note the lateral eye preserved on the
right side. CIURCA 071704-1A, the very last specimen collected at
the Spring House Commons Site.
Pittsford E has yielded numerous remains in 3D including a fine
horseshoe crab carapace, clams, abundant ostracods and other
eurypterid remains.
