Walliserops trifurcatus
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size: Walliserops trilobite is 65 mm long
Fossil Site: Foum Ziguid, Morocco
 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). Howevwer, with some half dozen trident variants that
particular theory is not viable. Whatever you call it, this is
a spectacular example. The occipital, cephalic, and axial spines
have been prepared freestanding. The diagnostic trident has been
prepared freestanding as well. With the advent of a reliable source
of electricity in Morocco, the quality of preparation has improved
dramatically over the past few years. 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. See my other
offerings for a Walliserops prepared with the pleural and pygidial
spines also prepared freestanding for an even more dramatic specimen. |
