Rare Psychopyge praestans Trilobite

Description: This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae from the Devonian deposits of Foum Ziguid, Morocco first described in 2001 as Psychopyge praestans. P. praestans is an unusual member of the genus in that it displays a distinctive forked rostrum. This is a natural, not pathological trait of this species. While I have seen them pictured in publications, this is the FIRST I have been able to offer. There is minimal restoration to the thorax and spines which shows up as slightly lighter coloration. As is often the case, the occipital spine has been reattached after preparation and there is a repaired crack to the rostrum, all of which detract little from this most unusual member of the genus. See my other offerings for examples of Psychopyge elegans.

Reference: Palaeontographica Canadiana, No. 25, 2006, pp 31-33 and 112-117.