 Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
from the Devonian deposits of Foum Ziguid, Morocco known commercially
as the Short Fork Trident Comura. The 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 long-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). However, there are some
half dozen known variants, so unless trilobites had a panoply
of sexes the theory does not hold up to scrutiny. 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 short 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).
Reference: Palaeontograhica
Canadiana, No 25, 2006, pp 33-36
Also
see: Walliserops trifurcatus
, long fork trident trilobite Moroccan
Trilobites |
