Drotops megalomanicus Trilobite

in Defensive Posture

Drotops megalomanicus

Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Phacopidae

Geological Time : Middle Devonian

Size: Trilobite is 175 mm long (curve measure) 75 mm across. Matrix: 70 mm by 75 mm.

Fossil Site: Djebel Issimour, Alnif, Morocco


Drotops megalomanicus TrilobiteDescription: This plate displays a dramatic example of a trilobite once termed “Phacops rana africanus”, now called Drotops megalomanicus. Phacops africanus is an entirely different trilobite (see my other offerings). This is a stunning example of a triolobite in an enrolled state. It is thought that trilobites would eroll to defend from attackers such as fish, which had recently (geologically-speaking) eveolved jaws. Another possible scenario would be enrolling in a hostile environment, predators notwithstanding. Perhaps this one was overcome by a slumping seafllor mudslide, only to be buried in this posture for all time. This baseball-sized specimen is impressive from any aspect.

Also see: Moroccan Trilobites

click to enlarge

Drotops megalomanicus

Drotops

Drotops Trilobite


l Paleontology & Fossils l Paleobiology and Geologic Timeline l
l Fossil Amber l Ammonite Fossils l Dinosaur and Reptile Fossils l Fossil Kits l
l Crinoids and Echinoderms l Fish Fossils l Fossil Dealers l Insect Fossils l Invertebrate Fossils l
l Plant Fossils l Stromatolites l Trace & Ichnofossils l Trilobite Fossils l Vertebrate Fossils l