Superb Platyscutellum massai Moroccan Trilobite

Platyscutellum massai

Trilobites Order Corynexochida, Family Styginidae

Geological Time: Lower Devonian, Upper Emsian Age

Size: Trilobite is 70 mm long (curve measure), 55 mm across. Matrix: 100 mm by 95 mm.

Fossil Site: Timrhanrhart Formation, Jebel Gara El Zguilma, Aatchana, Morocco

Fossil Code: 16196

Price: Sold


Platyscutellum massai Moroccan TrilobiteDescription: A member of the Order Corynexochida, Family Styginidae from the Middle Devonian deposits of Foum Ziguid, Morocco, this is a member of the genus Platyscutellum. The broad ridges in the pygidium and lack of postulation distinguishes it from both Scutellum and Metascutellum. The fact that the width of the cephalon is essentially 8o percent of the overall body length is a good indicator that this one is an example of Platyscutellum massai. Several features of this specimen are worthy of note. The eye facets are somewhat different is color than the rest of the specimen, indicative of differential permineralization and post-depositional weathering. Note too the terrace lines on both the genals and pygidium. Not often seen on styginids, they are well known on Paralejurus for example. The jury is still out whether their purpose was to strengthen the exoskeleton or for a current sensory function. Finally, there is a healed bite mark on the posterior edge of the right side of the pygidium. Deformation of the ridges and smoothening of the edge shows this happened well before the death of this exceptional specimen.

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Platyscutellum massai Moroccan Trilobite

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