Eocryphops Phacopid Trilobite with Few Eye Facets

Eocryphops sp

Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Phacopidae

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 44 mm long (curve measure) by 24 mm wide on a 75 mm by 45 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Jorf, Morocco

Fossil Code: 13009

Price: Sold


Eocryphops TrilobiteDescription: This unusual trilobite comes from a new location known as Jorf in Morocco, close to the site from which the polished goniatie ammonites originate. The preservation of the exoskeleton is reminiscent of them in terms of texture, unlike many trilobites from Morocco. The first example I have seen was jusat a few months ago. Note the mere handful of facets present in each eye. This one is a member of the genus Eocryphops. Those cited in the literature typically have substyantially more facets than seen here, so this is most likely a species new to science. A reduction in eyes was a common occurrence in phacopids, particularly in the Devonian, with another genus being Plagiolaria.

Another trilobite from the region is a blind Gerastos (see my other Trilobite offerings). What is it about the environment at Jorf that allowed some trilobites to reduce the eye facets or eliminate them altogether? While they are thought to lived in a deep-water environment, it was still one in the photic zone, and they are found in association with other trilobites with more conventional eye formats. With a surge in interest in specimens from Jorf we can only hope to see even more unusual material coming to light.

Reference: Paleontolgische Zetschrift 2005 Vol. 79/2, pp.227-239.

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