RARE Acinocricus Lobopod Fossil from Cambrian Utah

Description: This thorny specimen was first assigned to the Chlorophyta (Algae) when discovered in 1988. It was subsequently realized to be a far different organism: a Lobopodian, and described as such in 1998. The spines make it most like the genus Hallucigenia from both the Burgess Shale of Canada and the Chengjiang Biota of China, but would seem to be much larger. I guess the original describers can be forgiven for the missed assignment. After all, Hallucigenia was initially restored upside down! I have included photos of the specimen wet with water for greater contrast.

Reference: Ramskold, L & Chen, J-Y, Arthropod Fossils and Phylogeny, Columbia University Press,1990, pp 107-150.