• Elrathia kingii is a small trilobite species, typically measuring around 2-4 centimeters in length. It has an oval-shaped body, with three body divisions - a cephalon (head), thorax (middle section with jointed segments), and pygidium (tail).

• Elrathia kingii possessed a hard exoskeleton, rich in calcium carbonate, which served as protection and support.

• It is believed that Elrathia kingii was a bottom-dwelling scavenger or detritivore, feeding on organic material and small organisms that settled on the sea floor.

• Like other trilobites, Elrathia kingii is believed to have undergone a process of molting to grow. Fossil evidence suggests that it reproduced by laying eggs.

• The genus Elrathia has some other species besides Elrathia kingii which are found in various parts of the world, but the species Elrathia kingii is only reported from Utah.

• Although Elrathia kingii is found exclusively in a restricted area in Utah, it is abundant there, and is the most common trilobite in North America. One fossil collector estimated he had collected more than a million individuals from one quarry in 20 years. Its abundance has made it possible to find individuals at various stages of growth, and to study how trilobites grew. Because of its restricted range, it is not particularly useful for comparing other ancient marine ecosystems.