Hollardops aithassainorum
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae, Subfamily Asteropyginae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 65 mm long (curve measure) by 42 mm wide on a 35 mm by 65 mm matrix base
Fossil Site: Foum Ziguid, Morocco
Code: 14109
Price: Sold
 Description:
Elegant example of a member of the Order Phacopida, Subfamily
Asteropyginae with many fine details present. Notice the many
eye facets present on this example. The Asteropyginae recently
have undergone revision. This genus has been known in the past
as Metacanthina, an entirely different trilobite (see my other
offerings). This one differs from the more common Hollardops
mesocristata in the shape of the cranidium and the number of
lenses in the eyes. It was named for the Ait H’ssain family
by Chatterton et al in 2006. Ventral trilobites have always fascinated
me, so I requested that this one be prepared to show all the
features of the interior. Note the scars for attachment of muscles
and the hypostome which is nearly in life position. Such a specimen
takes a long time to prepare, far more difficult than the usual
dorsal example. The varying thickness of the exoskeleton results
in the varied tones seen here. This is a most unusual example,
one that would not have even been possible just a few years ago. |
