Thysanopeltidae indet
Trilobites Order Corynexochida, Family Thysanopeltidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 47 mm long (curve measure) and 21 mm across; Matrix: 33 mm by 25 mm by 45 mm high
Fossil Site: Boulashghal, Alnif, Morocco
Fossil Code: 11003
Price: $1395.00
 Description:
A member of the Order Corynexochida, Family Thysanopeltidae from
the Middle Devonian deposits of Alnif, Morocco, this is an ENTIRELY
NEW Scutellid. At first glance, it looks like a Paralejurus when
only the cephalon is viewed. When the pedestal on which it is
perched is rotated to see the pygidium, it can be seen to be
that of the typical Scutellum. Given the  trilobites
of Morocco can be suspect, one might wonder if this is a “Frankenbug”,
a composite of two entirely different trilobites. The source
of this specimen is the dealer whose trilobite museum in Morocco
was featured in David Attenborough’s “Early Life” BBC
series last fall, someone I have known for over 10 years, and
he assures me it is NOT a composite. Since both Paralejurus and
Scutellum are members of the same family, it is not unreasonable
to expect that transitional species could occur. It was one of
only TWO that I saw at the Tucson show this year. Notice the
eye facets seen in the photomicrographs. |
