LITUITES Fossil Nautilus – Middle Ordovician – Songtao, Guizhou, China

Description This listing features a fascinating fossil nautiloid of the genus Lituites, collected from Middle Ordovician deposits near Songtao, Guizhou Province, China. Lituites represents a transitional nautiloid form with a mix of coiled and uncoiled shell structures, showcasing a unique evolutionary step in early cephalopod development. Fossil Type & Species: Type: Fossilised Nautiloid (Cephalopod) Genus: Lituites Species: Undetermined (genus level identified) Geological Context: Era: Paleozoic Period: Ordovician Epoch: Middle Ordovician (approx. 470–458 million years ago) Formation: Likely marine limestones and shales from Songtao region Locality: Songtao, Guizhou Province, China Depositional Environment: Shallow marine platform with high faunal diversity and episodic sedimentation Morphological Features: Combines an initial planispiral coiled whorl with an extended straight (orthoconic) section Ribbed ornamentation may be present on shell surface Visible chambered structure indicative of buoyancy control Scientific Notes: Lituites is part of a group of early cephalopods that bridge the evolutionary gap between tightly coiled nautiloids and more straight-shelled orthoconic forms Its morphology reflects an adaptation to a semi-nektonic lifestyle in Ordovician seas Taxonomy: Order: Tarphycerida Superfamily: Lituitaceae Family: Lituitidae Authenticity & Display: All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photo is the actual piece you will receive. Please refer to the image for full sizing details – scale cube = 1cm. This is a remarkable example of early cephalopod evolution, ideal for collectors, educators, and anyone fascinated by Paleozoic marine life.