Aff Quadrops flexuosa
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Early ro Middle Devonian
Size: Trilobite is 60 mm long (curve measure) by 36 mm wide (with spines) on a 100 mm by 100 mm matrix.
Fossil Site: Jebel Issoumour, Morocco
Code: 17119
Price: $5750.00
 Description:
Elegant example of a bizarrely-spined member of the Acastidae. This
one is a new taxon clearly closely allied with Quadrops flexuosa.
Once
called Philonyx, the genus derives its name from the unusual quadripartite
rostrum unique to this taxon. Given the distinct “shovel-nosed”
aspect of this type, it may be an entirely new genus. While most Quadrops
are known from Ofaten, this type to date has only been found in Issoumour.
Note the incredible profusion of spines  displayed
here. These spines were a good defense against the fish of their day,
affording quite a mouthful for any predator with the temerity to attack.
This specimen took an INCREDIBLY LONG amount of time to prepare. I
have included some in-preparation photos which clearly show the genuine
rostrum, as well as the axial spines. Only a literal handful of specimens
have been found to date at this new Issoumour locality, despite a
feverish search by the diggers.. |
