Protolenus Early Cambrian Moroccan Trilobite

Description: This plate displays a fine example of a member of the order Ptychopariida. It was identified by acclamation through a cooperative effort of a number of trilobite enthusiasts as Protolenus cf termierelloides. The namesake is known from Europe, but a cranidium has been illustrated in the literature of a similar specimen from the Issafen Formation of Morocco. While most members of the genus are found above the Early/Middle Cambrian boundary, the fact that this one is found in the Issafen Formation places it firmly in the Early Cambrian. Rather than call it the same species, I prefer to use the term cf to indicate that it may be the same, but that is not entirely certain.