Erbenochile erbeni
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Suborder Phacopina, Superfamily Acastoidea, Family Acastidae
Geological Time: Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 40 mm long by 31 mm wide on a 75 by 85 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Timrhanrhart Formation, Foum Ziguid , Morocco
Code: 15011
Price: $1350.00
 Description:
Elegant example of a member of the Order Phacopida, Superfamily
Acastoidea with many fine details present. Once known in the trade
as “Big Eye”, this one is actually Erbenochile, and
has just become commercially available in limited quantities. The
most diagnostic features of this taxon are the high “eye-towers”.
Fortey and Chatterton described Erbenochile erbeni in September
2003 from a single commercially- prepared specimen, and it created
a stampede among collectors. The “wrap around” eyes
gave a good panoramic view of the trilobite’s environment,
allowing it to keep alert for predator and prey alike. Since fish
had recently evolved true jaws, any advantage a prey species could
derive would place it at an advantage. This one has been prepared
with the genal and axial spines all freestanding, quite an achievement
from such hard matrix. About 5 years ago a second species Erbenochile
issomourensis was described with the main differences being a lower
eye tower and lack of a sunshade. It is believed that this new
species lived at greater depths which eliminated the need for the
eyeshade of E. Erbeni. An
example of the very rare Erbenochile issomourensis may
be seen here. |
