Etikettides

Etikettides is an extinct order of sea urchins that lived during the Early Jurassic period. The name Etikettides is derived from the Greek words "eti," meaning "eternal," and "tettix," meaning "mosquito," likely due to the small size of the specimens.

Fossil evidence of Etikettides has been found in European countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland. They were typically small, ranging from 5 to 20 millimeters in diameter. Etikettides likely fed on algae and small organisms, similar to modern sea urchins.

Etikettides specimens have been known to preserve their spines when fossilized, providing valuable information for paleontologists studying the evolution of sea urchin spines. The majority of Etikettides fossils discovered have been found in a limestone formation known as the Solnhofen Limestone, which was formed during the Early Jurassic period.

Like many other Early Jurassic sea creatures, Etikettides fossils have been found in association with other well-preserved fossils, including those of the pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus and the early bird Archaeopteryx. This has contributed significantly to our understanding of the diverse ecosystems that existed during this time period.

Etikettides are also of interest to paleontologists due to the high quality of the fossil record available. The exceptional preservation of Etikettides fossils has allowed scientists to study these ancient creatures in greater detail, providing important insights into the evolution of early marine ecosystems.