Spectacular Psychopyge elegans Moroccan Trilobite

This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida from the Devonian Hamar Laghdad deposits near Alnif, Morocco known as Psychopyge elegans. The Asteropyginae have recently undergone extensive revision, with this one still retaining its name as assigned. This elegant specimen is 4.0 inches in length from the tip of its rostrum to the ends of the pygidial spines, and 3.2 inches wide at the genal spines. It is well-positioned in a reflexed position upon its 4.7 inch by 3.2 inch matrix base. There are many well-preserved eye facets present, as the photos show. The most notable features of this one, outside of the rostrum are the OVER FIFTY occipital, axial, and pleural spines prepared freestaning, a time-consuming procedure well worth the effort. The reason for the spines is most likely defense from predators. Fish had recently evolved true jaws, and any advantage a prey species could muster was a great benefit. Few specimens of this quality are available annually, with this one of the best I saw in Tucson this year.