Zilchovaspis rugosa
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Dalmanitidae
Geological Time: Lower Devonian, Pragian Stage (~395 million years ago)
Size: Trilobite is 80 mm long
Fossil Site: Aatchana, Morocco
 Description:
A elegant example of a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Dalmanitidae
with many fine details present. While most frequently known in
the trade as “Odontochile”, this one is actually
Zilchovaspis. The most diagnostic features of this taxon are
the parabolic cephalon and pygidial spine. Odontochile has a
more circular cephalic outline, and a shorter, broadly-based
pygidial spine. Both genera bear a strong resemblance to the
contemporary genus Huntonia from the Devonian of Oklahoma. This
one has been prepared in what has been termed the “flying” pose
with only the pygidium still anchored in matrix. Note the unusual
bicolor preservation. This is entirely natural, and is due to
differential uptake of minrerals durting diagenesis. |
