Walliserops trifurcatus
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size: Walliserops trilobite is 85 mm long (curve measure) by 30 mm wide (including spines)
Fossil Site: Foum Ziguid, Morocco
 Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
from the Devonian deposits of Jebel Issoumour, 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 a specimen of Walliserops
hammi here). 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.
ALL spines have been prepared freestanding on the cephalon as well
as those on the axial, and pleural lobes, as well as the pygidial
spines making for a dramatic display with OVER EIGHTY freestanding
spines. The diagnostic trident has been prepared freestanding as
well, making for a dramatic piece unlikely to ever need upgrading.
With the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco,
the quality of preparation has improved dramatically over the past
few years. This one took a great deal of effort to prepare all
the pleural spines free of matrix. While I used to refer to trilobites
prepared in a mode similar to this as flying, I feel a new term
is warranted by the preparation now coming into vogue. This specimen
is truly stunning when viewed from any aspect, and is destined
to become the cornerstone of any collection, public or private.
(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). Here is another Walliserops trifurcatus
prepared with the pleural and pygidial spines still protected by
matrix. |
