Lioharpes and Reedops Moroccan Trilobite Association

Description: Elegant example of a member of the recently-erected (2002) Order Harpetida, with many fine details present found in association with the cranidium of a Reedops sp. trilobite. These come from a new deposit in a location known as Hmar Lakhdad in Morocco. Hmar lakhdad means “red cheeks” in Arabic, an allusion to the rich wine red color preserved in the specimens from this location, a consequence of high levels of iron in the silicified exoskeleton. Some Phacopids have been found with a red exoskeleton and green eyes, a consequence of differential degrees of silicification of the lenses and its impact on iron and possibly manganese contained therein. Notice the fine pitting of the preglabellar ring. This one was well able to stay at the surface of the seafloor by virtue of the dramatically curving “shield”. This is a natural association, not a composite, as can be seen in the attached in-preparation photo. There is much work to be done on the harpids of Morocco, with this one most like the genus Lioharpes of Europe. This is the first such specimen from this new site I have been able to secure.