Newly-Described Moroccan Trilobite Kettneraspis prescheri

Description: Elegant example of an unusual trilobite which has recently become available, once termed a “stovepipe” due to the robust occipital spine only found in this species. While some prefer Kettnersapis over Leonaspis based upon the pygidial spines, it is definitely a new species, one that has curried great favor among the collectors of the world. Kettnerapis has two short pygidial spines between two longer ones. Leonaspis has 4 short pygidial spines between two longer ones. This example has been prepared with the occipital spine free of matrix to show off its “stovepipe” appearance to best advantage. It is the more delicate curved spine which has earned its relative the specific name spinicurva. However, this one has only TWO short pygidial spines rather then four, so it must be a Kettneraspis and so is different from L. spinicurva, making it an until now undescribed species of Kettneraspis. The description here has been amended to reflect the advance of science.

References:
L spinicurva Reference: Palaeontographica Canadiana, No 25, 2006 pp. 61-62, 172.
Kettnersapis presecheri Reference: Geologica Belgica, 2015, 18/1, pp 15-20.