Museum Ordovician Platillaenus Trilobite

Description: This unusual trilobite comes from the Ordovician deposits near Taychoute, Morocco. At first glance it looks something like a Paralejurus (see my other listings) , but the age of the deposits and the overall shape shows it is much different. It is a member of the Illaenidae, trilobites more frequently seen from Europe (particularly Russia) and less frequently from North America. I sent photos to one of the most well-versed collectors of Moroccan trilobites, and he told me it was a member of the genus Platillaenus. It is sufficiently different from the one known from Morocco that it is most likely a species new to science. Other than the exceptionally large size, this one has many of the fine holochroal eye facets preserved, an common occurrence for many Ordovician trilobites in general and for Illaenids in particular.