Psychopyge termierorum
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Superfamily Acastoidea, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size: Trilobite is 95 mm long (overall curve measure) by 50 mm wide at genals on a 125 by 00 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Ofaten, Morocco
Code: 16202
Price: Sold
 Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
from the Devonian deposits of Ofaten, Morocco known as Psychopyge
termieroum (see my other offerings for an example of Psychopyge
elegans).  What is most unusual about this one is the bifurcated
long rostrum.
For some reason Pyschopyge had a tendency to pathology of this
feature. I have seen one foreshortened, another twice as wide as
normal giving the appearance of a duck’s bill, and an elongated
version which was fully the length of the body. This one is most
likely the result of a healed injury which grew back in this distorted
shape after molting. Whatever the case it is assuredly unique.
I have included several in-preparation photos that dispel any doubts
as to its authenticity. (I apologize for the less-than-esthetic
photography while still in the shipping container, but discretion
was the better part of valor with all the spines). |
