Huntoniatonia (Huntonia) huntonensis Oklahoma Trilobites

Description: Huntoniatonis ( Huntonia) huntonensis is a Dalmanatid trilobite (Order: Phacopida; Suborder Phacopina; Superfamily: Dalmanitoidea; Family: Dalmanitidae) coming from the Lower Devonian strata of Coal County, Oklahoma. While the name seems like a typo, it is the result of the fact that the original genus Huntonia was found to be preoccupied by an Isopod. It is primarily distinguished from the more rare species of genus Huntonia from Oklahoma by its shorter pygidial spine. This trilobite was prepared by Bob Carroll, a world-renowned preparator of Oklahoma Devonian trilobites. Others may use less care, resulting in a less desirable specimen. Notice the may fine eye facets preserved in this specimen. Bob was only able to locate and prepare a few examples of these dramatic trilobites in the last year.

The picture above left shows the trilobites at an early stage of preparation. The pictures below show many aspects of Bob's finished masterpiece, including the beautiful eyes.

Huntoniatonia had Schizochroal eyes, which were a remarkable evolutionary achievement that appeared exclusively in Phacopida suborder Phacopina. This type of trilobite eye possessed an internal optical-doublet structure together with a refracting interface (comprised of two lenses with differing refraction so they would work together) that corrected focusing. Human scientists would not accomplish the same optical physics trickery until some 400 million years later -- who then could possibly doubt the creativity of natural selection?