Exceptionally Rare Indiana Fossil Crinoid Nipterocrinus Monroensis Monroe County

Description

Normally I don't like to lean into the rarity of a fossil but this is an exception just because of how rare it is. Nipterocrinus is a species that occurs in crawfordsville Indiana but is exceptionally rare; most collectors don't even know it exists for that reason. This specimen comes from the same Edwardsville formation but from a southerly locality in Monroe County.  This weird flexible is typified by its distinct radial plates. The type specimen for this species didn't have the arms in tact so this specimen is by far better than the original discovery! This crinoid measures in at about 3 inches long, which seems to be about typical for this species on the basis of the loose radials we have found at this site. If you are looking to get every crawfordsville species this will be a welcome specimen in your collection!