Proceratocephala terribilis
Trilobites Order Odontopleurida, Family Odontopleuridae
Geological Time: Lower Ordovician
Size: Trilobite is 35 mm long
Fossil Site: Lower Ktaoua Formation, Tazzarine, Morocco
 Description:
Elegant example of an unusual trilobite which as an Odontopleurid
has many fine relatives in Dicranurus, Leonaspis, and Ceratonurus.
This one has a plethora of spines, most of which have been painstakingly
prepared freestanding, making for a spectacular display piece.
To what purpose could such a spiny  armament
be put? The answer DEFENSE cries out; any advantage a prey species
could evolve would stand it in good stead in the eternal predator/prey
arms race. I have seen this one listed as Diacanthaspis in commercial
offerings, but this one is different in possession of paired spines
in the axial ring. This one is a member of the genus Proceratocephala.
The known species, Proceratocephala terribilis has three spines
between the long pygidial spines, as does this one. it is a truly
stunning Lower Ordovician trilobite, one destined to be a cornerstone
of any collection, be it public or private. |
