Cf Cornuproetus sp
Geological Time: Devonian
Size: (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 23 mm long by 21 mm wide on a 65 by 60 mm matrix
Fossil Site: AAtchana, Morocco
Code: MT376
Price: Sold
 Description:
Fine example of a member of the Order Proetida with many fine details
present. This one is similar to the well-known Cornuproetus corntus
but with 2 striking differences; the cephalic rim is more robust,
and there are axial spines present. I was somewhat concerned that
the spines may not be authentic, but examination under magnification
and UV light seems to confirm that they are indeed real The close-ups
show that there is an additional pit where a sixth spine would
have been before the five preserved here. While there may well
be repair, they certainly look to belong as they are. The Proetidae
were among the last of the trilobites to go extinct in the Permian
over 100 million years later. This is a fine example of the type,
prepared with the dramatic backswept genal spines freestanding
with the trilobite raised on a pedestal. Looking more like a Devonian
Stealth Bomber than a trilobite, this is an elegant example. Many
literature references merely picture the cranidium and pygidium
of Moroccan Cornuproetids, so it is not known whether this one
has been described previously, or Is new to science. |
