Ventral Leonaspis Moroccan Trilobite

Description: Fine example of the genus, this is a member of the genus Leonaspis prepared in such a way as to show the ventral architecture of the exoskeleton. While some prefer Kettnersapis over Leonaspis based upon the pygidial spines, it is definitely a desirable member of the taxon. While I have been able to offer a ventrally-prepared Kettneraspis from Oklahoma, this one is the result of a longstanding desire of mine to have a ventrally-prepared specimen from Morocco. Much time was devoted to freeing up the cephalic “comb” as well as the downward-projecting pleural subspines that are the source of the name of the family (tooth pleura). The in-preparation photos show a brief view of the process.

Also see this Kettneraspis prepared by Bob Carroll, Clarita, Oklahoma.