Striking Crotalocephalus Trilobites Dorsal and Ventral Pair

Crotalocephalus aff. africanus

Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Cheiruridae

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Trilobite Sizes: Dorsal: 51 mm long by 31 mm wide Ventral: 48 mm long by 31 mm wide (each with spines) on a 105 by 80 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Jorf, Morocco

Code: 17246

Price: $650.00


Crotalocephalus Trilobites Dorsal and Ventral PairDescription: Elegant example of a pair of members of the Order Phacopida, Family Cheiruridae with many fine details present. The most diagnostic features of this taxon are the sharp pleural and pygidial spines and the distinctive cephalon. The describer of this one thought it bore a resemblance to the head of a rattlesnake (Crotalus), hence the genus name. The spines may have aided it in staying at the surface of the soft seafloor. It is not to be confused with the common Crotalocephalus (actually Crotalocephalina). This one has more coplanar cheeks than those found in Crotalocephalina, and much longer pygidial spines. It is closest to the species Crotalocephalus africanus, but that one is found along the coast of Morocco near Rabat. This piece has a pair of trilobites in a natural association. Note that the ventral specimen shows the hypostome, or anchor for mouthparts in life position, making for an excellent display of the morphology of this interesting trilobite. There has been increased interest in trilobites from Jorf leading to discoveries of new types such as this. See my other offerings for a truly stunning example prepared entirely freestanding.

See my other offerings for a truly stunning Crotalocephalus prepared entirely freestanding.

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