Ancient Trilobite Fossil Unveils Its Final Meal

Researchers have discovered the first trilobite specimen with its last meal preserved inside. The Bohemolichas incola trilobite, preserved in 3D detail within siliceous pebbles, had tightly packed shell fragments in its digestive system. The intact shells suggest that the trilobite's digestive system was neutral or basic, similar to modern crustaceans and spiders. The trilobite's prey included benthic invertebrates such as ostracods, hyolith conch snails, and extinct starfish and sea urchin relatives. The researchers suggest that the trilobite was an opportunistic scavenger, feeding on easily disintegrated or small prey. The trilobite's full digestive tract and distortions in its thorax indicate it may have been about to molt.