Phaetonellus planicauda
Trilobites Order Proetida, Family Tropidocoryphidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size: (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 25 mm long by 21 mm wide on a 90 by 85 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Hamar Laghdad Formation, Alnif , Morocco
Code: 12031
Price: $1095.00
 Description:
Superb example of a member of the Order Proetida with many fine
details present. At first glance, it looks much like Cornuproetus,
a relatively common trilobite. The most diagnostic features of
that taxon are a granulose cephalon and thorax and the swept-back
genal spines. Look more closely, however, and you will notice the
spines emanating from the pygidium as well as the axial spines.
Once termed Decoroproetus in the trade, it is actually Phaetonellus,
and is rarely offered for sale (This is my SECOND in ELEVEN YEARS).
The Proetidae were among the last of the trilobites to go extinct
in the Permian over 100 million years later. This is one has been
prepared with the genal spines freestanding, making for a dramatic
specimen. With the advent of reliable electricity supplies, the
quality of Moroccan trilobites has taken a dramatic leap over the
past few years, making for some stunning specimens. See my other
offerings for a more affordable example. |
