Drotops armatus forma armata
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Phacopidae
Geological Time : Middle Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 80 mm long (curve measure), 45 mm across. Matrix: 95 mm by 48 mm
Fossil Site: Madene El Mrakib, Ma’der Region, Erfoud, Morocco
Code: 09013
Price: $2250.00
 Description:
This plate displays a rarely seen example of a trilobite related
to the more common “Phacops” Drotops megalomanicus
found in the Devonian deposits of region Ma’der near Erfoud,
Morocco. This one is different in large measure due to the fact
that there is a profusion of spines projecting from all surfaces,
even the eyes! There are four varieties known, distinguished by
the type and placement of the spines. This one is forma armata
with spines of up to 10 mm in length. Armatus means armed; to what
purpose could all these spines be put? Fish had just recently evolved
true jaws, and the armament here was a response to predation pressures.
This one would hve been a mouthful for any would be predator. There
are MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED spines preserved here, making this a
wonderful example of an evolutionary salvo in the predator/prey
arms race. |
