Walliserops trifurcatus
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Walliserops: 72 mm long by 26 mm wide on a 93 by 55 mm matrix.
Fossil Site: Foum Ziguid, Zagora , Morocco
Code: MT335
Price: $1750.00 - sold
 Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
from the Devonian deposits of Foum Ziguid, Morocco known commercially
as the Trident Comura. The trilobite was named Walliserops trifurcatus
by Pierre Morzadec. Chatterton and Brett had erected the genus
Parabolops, with the long-forked trident being Parabolops neptunis
and the short-forked Parabolops hammi (see my other examples
for a fine short-forked example). Some think the differences
may be the result of sexual dimorphism. Radical differences between
the sexes are common in Arthropods (see  some of the scarab beetles,
for example). Whatever you call it, this is a spectacular example.
There are many spines prepared freestanding on the cephalon as
well as those on the axial and pleural lobes, making for a dramatic
display. The diagnostic trident has been prepared freestanding
as well, making for a dramatic piece unlikely to ever need upgrading.
Unlike many trilobites prepared in Morocco, this one was done
using the same painstaking microabrasive techniques as here in
the US, affording a wonderful piece at a fraction of what a US-prepped
example would cost of comparable quality. (I apologize for the
less-than-esthetic photography while still in the shipping container,
but discretion was the better part of valor with all the spines). |
