A juvenile redlichiid trilobite caught on the move: Evidence from the Cambrian (Series 2) ChengJiang Lagerstatte, southwestern China

A trace fossil with its putative in situ maker, a redlichiid juvenile of Eoredlichia intermedia Lu, 1940 from the lower Cambrian (Series 2) Chengjiang fauna, southwestern China, is reported here. Evidence for biogenetic linkage of the trail to the trilobite includes their close, integrated association, in situ preservation, and consistent dimensions. Analysis from Scanning Electron Microscopy further strengthens this argument. Preservation mechanism and fidelity loss in the trail are considered. In light of functional morphology, a nektonic-benthic transition in modes of life is inferred for meraspides of Eoredlichia.