This type (ichnospecies) of coprolite is currently defined as "loosely confined, intertwined to elongate Lumbricaria."
Source: The ichnogenus Lumbricaria Münster from the Upper Jurassic of Germany interpreted as faecal strings of ammonites(link is external) by Dirk Knaust and René Hoffmann (2020).
If you look at many specimens on this website, you may notice I often mention that coprolite fragments can be some of the most interesting specimens. In this case, we have a small piece of what was likely a long, tangled string of coprolite. It probably wasn't fully prepped because it was a small fragment. Because matrix (the rock or sediment surrounding a fossil) is still present in surface crevices, the undigested crinoid bits are more clearly visible.
A faint star shape was present to the left of the tangled, stringy coprolite. After a little prep work, the underside of a juvenile brittle star (Sinosura ophiuroid(link is external)) was revealed. Unfortunately the coprolite was treated with a consolidant, so it is impossible to tell if there are any inclusions. Remember: NEVER USE GLUE ON FOSSIL POO!
Can you find the heart in this anal art? This is another example of a coprolite prepped with an air abrader. Air abraders are like little sand blasters. While specimens may appear more attractive from a distance, microscopic incusions are often destroyed. Luckily a few inclusions can still be seen in this specimen.
It is almost as if Junior said, "Look mom...I can make poo too!" It is unknown whether these coprolites were made by different species or a mature and immature version of the same animal.
This coprolite is loaded with floating crinoid(link is external) bits. The second photo is a microscopic view of one of many areas on the surface where crinoid inclusions can be seen. The arrows point out some of those that are more recognizable.
An air abrader was used to expose this coprolite. While this preparation method provides clean sharp lines, it also destroys much of the detail. For this reason we can't be sure exactly what was eaten. Based on the overall shape, the few inclusions still visible appear to be body parts from a floating crinoid.
Prehistoric pasta? Not quite. Unless, of course, you like your pasta made with predigested crinoid bits. As you can see, there is quite the accumulation of stringy fecal fun, indicating its creator probably wasn't moving around too much. Under magnification undigested crinoids(link is external) pinnules are visible. So these these small, crunchy critters were definitely on the menu.
