Spectacular Erbenochile erbeni Trilobite

Erbenochile erbeni

Trilobites Order Phacopida, Suborder Phacopina, Superfamily Acastoidea, Family Acastidae

Geological Time: Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 40 mm long by 31 mm wide on a 75 by 85 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Timrhanrhart Formation, Foum Ziguid , Morocco

Code: 15011

Price: $1350.00


Erbenochile erbeniDescription: Elegant example of a member of the Order Phacopida, Superfamily Acastoidea with many fine details present. Once known in the trade as “Big Eye”, this one is actually Erbenochile, and has just become commercially available in limited quantities. The most diagnostic features of this taxon are the high “eye-towers”. Fortey and Chatterton described Erbenochile erbeni in September 2003 from a single commercially- prepared specimen, and it created a stampede among collectors. The “wrap around” eyes gave a good panoramic view of the trilobite’s environment, allowing it to keep alert for predator and prey alike. Since fish had recently evolved true jaws, any advantage a prey species could derive would place it at an advantage. This one has been prepared with the genal and axial spines all freestanding, quite an achievement from such hard matrix. About 5 years ago a second species Erbenochile issomourensis was described with the main differences being a lower eye tower and lack of a sunshade. It is believed that this new species lived at greater depths which eliminated the need for the eyeshade of E. Erbeni. An example of the very rare Erbenochile issomourensis may be seen here.

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