Walliserops
trifurcatus
Often called
the Trident Comura
Trilobites
Order Phacopida, Suborder Phacopina, Superfamily Acastoidea, Family Acastidae
Geological
Time: Middle Devonian
Size: Walliserops
trilobite is 70 mm long (curve measure) by 28 mm wide (including spines)
on a 95 by 60 mm matrix
Fossil Site:
Foum Ziguid, Zagora , Morocco
Fossil Code:
18085
Price: Sold
Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
from the Devonian deposits of Jebel Issoumour, Morocco known commercially
as the Trident Comura. The trilobite was named Walliserops trifurcatus
by Pierre Morzadec. Chatterton and Brett had erected the genus Parabolops,
with the long-forked trident being Parabolops neptunis and the short-forked
Parabolops hammi (see my other examples for a fine short-forked
example). Some think the differences may be the result of sexual
dimorphism. Radical differences between the sexes are common in
Arthropods (see some of the scarab beetles, for example). Whatever
you call it, this is a spectacular example.
ALL spines have been prepared freestanding on the cephalon as well
as those on the axial, and pleural lobes, as well as the pygidial
spines making for a dramatic display with OVER EIGHTY freestanding
spines. The diagnostic trident has been prepared freestanding as
well, making for a dramatic piece unlikely to ever need upgrading.
With the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco,
the quality of preparation has improved dramatically over the past
few years. This one took a great deal of effort to prepare all the
pleural spines free of matrix. While I used to refer to trilobites
prepared in a mode similar to this as flying, I feel a new term
is warranted by the preparation now coming into vogue. This specimen
is truly stunning when viewed from any aspect and is destined to
become the cornerstone of any collection, public or private. (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). Also see this natural double Walliserops
specimen.
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