Liangwangshania is an incredibly rare arthropod from the famous Chengjiang-Biota, which contains some of the most bizarre and extremely well preserved fossils. The soft slate is relatively easy for preparation, as long as there is a good separation between fossil and matrix. Although one needs very calm hands that can work sensitively enough to preserve the tiny details.

This specimen was badly split up on two pieces of rock. That kind of “unlucky” split has fossil remains on both sides, so that they have to be glued back together. This task can be very challenging, as a very precise gluing is necessary in order to prepare the fossil afterwards. In this case the fossil is only a fracture of a millimetre thick, so that the layer of glue is actually thicker. Fortunately the gluing went just as planned and the Liangwangshania could be properly prepared. 

Fossil: Liangwangshania biloba 

Locality: Chengjiang (China)

Formation: Lower Cambrian, Yuanshan-Member

Total Length: 0.9 inch

Collection: York Yuxi Wang

Work required: 3 hours