Basseiarges mellishae Museum Trilobites Natural Double

Basseiarges mellishae

Note: Per recent 2013 reference below: newly erected genus is Basseiarges and new species is mellishae after Dr Martin Basse a researcher of Devonian trilobites

Trilobites Order Lichida, Family Lichidae, Subfamily Trochurinae

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobites are 23 mm long by 22 mm wide and 18 mm long by 13 mm wide (counting spines) on a 55 mm by 80 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Jorf, Morocco

Fossil Code: 14021

Price: $995.00


Basseiarges mellishae TrilobitesDescription: This unusual trilobite comes from a recently discovered location known as Jorf in Morocco, close to the site from which the polished goniatie ammonites Basseiarges mellishae 1originate. The preservation of the exoskeleton is reminiscent of them in terms of texture, unlike many trilobites from Morocco. The first examples I have come across were at the 2012 Tucson show, and were exhibited by the premier US importer of Moroccan specimens. I was unable Basseiarges mellishae 2to secure either, but did not give up the search. Here is a fine natural double specimen of the taxon which has been assigned a new genus and species Basseiarges mellishae. The rugose leading edge to cephalon and trailing edge of pygidium is most unusual, and seems to have been taken to extremes in the closely related genus Akantharges (see my other listings). Specimens seem to span a broad spectrum of colors from an ivory to almost black, indicative of the unique mineral composition of the environment in which they have been preserved. The flattened round shape and spines along the edge of the pleural and pygidiial lobes indicate to me a dweller of the seafloor. The body configuration would have served the same function as snowshoes.

Reference: Batalleria, 18, March 2013, pp 15-24

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