Coltraenia oufatenensis
Hollardops mesocristata
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Superfamily Acastoidea
Geological Age: Middle Devonian
Size: (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Coltraenia: 78 mm long (curve measure) by 36 mm wide Hollardops: 35 mm long by 22 mm wide on a 65 by 100 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Oufaten, Alnif, Morocco
Code: MT379
Price: $395.00 - sold
 Description:
Elegant example of two members of the Order Phacopida with many
fine details present. The larger is most frequently known in
the trade as “Treveropyge”, this one is actually
called Coltraenia. The most diagnostic features of this taxon
are the high “eye-towers”. Notice the many exceptional
eye facets present on this specimen. The “wrap around” eyes
gave a good panoramic view of the trilobite’s environment,
allowing it to keep alert for predator and prey alike. Since
fish had recently evolved true jaws, any advantage a prey species
could derive would place it at an advantage,. The smaller was
once called Metacanthina, but that is an entirely different trilobite
(see my other offerings). While it has many good eye facets,
its sight would not have been the equal to that of Coltraenia..
Perhaps it would have taken its clue to “bug out” at
the approach of a predator from its sharp-eyed cousin. Whatever
the case, these were not able to escape their fate, and have
been frozen in time together for well over 300 million years.
This is a NATURAL DOUBLE, not a composite. The source of this
specimen is known personally to me and he vouches for the authenticity
of the piece. Additionally UV examination of the matrix shows
no signs of compositing. Both trilobites have been prepared on
a pedestal of matrix, with the Coltraenia prepared with freestanding
pygidial spines, making for a truly impressive showpiece. |
