Caudillaenus sp.aff. nicolasi
Trilobites Corynexochida, Suborder Illaenina, Superfamily Illaenoidea, Family Illaenidae
Geological Time: Middle Ordovician
Size: Trilobite is 78 mm long
Fossil Site: Jebel Rhyat, Taychoute, Morocco
 Description:
This unusual trilobite comes from the Ordovician deposits near
Taychoute, Morocco. At first glance it looks something like a Paralejurus
(see my other listings) , but the age of the deposits and the overall
shape shows it is much different. It is a member of the Illaenidae,
trilobites more frequently seen from Europe (particularly Russia)
and less frequently from North America. I sent photos to one of
the most well-versed collectors of Moroccan trilobites, and he
told me it was similar to Caudillaenus nicolasi. It is sufficiently
different from the one known from Morocco by virtue of its foreshortened
pygidium that it is most likely a species new to science.
This one has many of the fine holochroal eye facets preserved in
the
right eye, an uncommon occurrence for many Ordovician trilobites
in general, and for Illaenids in particular. |
