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BEAUTIFUL GRAY DROTOPS MEGALOMANICUS TRILOBITE LAB PREPPED Atlas Mountains, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago Drotops megalomanicus is one of the largest Devonian Period trilobites. This exceptional example was collected from the Devonian limestone deposits of the Atlas Mountain range, located southwest of Erfoud in the pre-Sahara region of Morocco. Previously labeled as Phacops africanus, the correct scientific name is Drotops megalomanicus. Drotops is a classic trilobite and perfect for educational trilobite display due to its typical features in massive proportions. No squinting needed here to admire all the characteristics that make trilobites such amazing creatures. DROTOPS has a pustulose shell, dramatic segments and lobes, and large multi-lens eyes. Sadly, this trilobite has become rare to locate in today's market where it is either genuine or has not been pieced together from several other animals. Fakes abound and genuine specimens in fine condition are becoming very difficult to locate and are quite rare. This has also led to the unfortunate proliferation of entirely faking these creatures and many can be found on the market. More often, the low price is the most obvious clue. We have meticulously prepared this fossil to best expose the delicate detail as well as smooth out the surrounding original limestone matrix. Most noteworthy is its entirely genuine and natural GRAY COLOR to its carapace!!! This Drotops features a stunning salt and pepper color pattern to an underlying dorsal tone of gray where most of these are black. It is a very large example well-centered on a thick natural slab of Devonian limestone. Restoration is limited to approximately 5% - 7% and mainly to the lower portion of the cephalon from cheek to cheek as well as a small area on the pygidium. The unique color of the shell proves that this specimen has not been pieced together from several as is usually the case because the color and pattern is rare enough that it would be almost impossible to find another and match it! The underside restoration is noticeable but when viewed from the top down as it normally would be, it is not noticeable. Furthermore, the color and pattern is completely natural and this feature is rare and beautiful enough that the goods outweigh the bad. Both eyes are genuine with lens detail visible. This Drotops is a very visually impacting specimen, the trilobite is well poised with nice details and full inflation. Clean bright matrix contrasts with the carapace of the creature in a beautiful manner. Lack of disarticulation makes this a top-notch example of this Devonian monster! Like all of our specimens, we guarantee the authenticity of this rare fossil trilobite.
Next to dinosaur fossils, trilobites command a dedicated and passionate following amongst both scientists and fossil collectors, alike. In a relatively short time-frame (scientifically speaking, of course), we have the emergence and subsequent extinction of these fascinating creatures. Still most baffling is the incredible diversity of sizes and features that made up the trilobite group. Many bizarre species co-existed with highly specialized body parts that defy the theories of evolution in their "sudden" emergence and diversity during the Early Cambrian Period in what is known as the 'Cambrian Explosion'. Trilobites were among the world's first arthropods, a phylum of hard-shelled creatures with multiple body segments and jointed legs (although the legs, antennae and other finer structures of trilobites only very rarely are preserved). They constitute an extinct class of arthropods, Trilobita, that is comprised of over 15,000 known species. It has been reported that every year, four to five new species are discovered in the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountain regions in Morocco, alone! This desolate northern fringe of the Sahara Desert was once covered by a prehistoric ocean and its fossil deposits can be considered the world's richest and most diverse source of these ancient sea creatures. Trilobites are the single most diverse group of extinct organisms that ever existed, period! The smallest known trilobite is just three millimeters long, while the largest type grew to a length of 70 centimeters (over two feet long!). The most common fossil of trilobites is the mineralized dorsal exoskeleton of the creature. This is found in partial form from molting (shedding the shell as it grows) or in complete form when the animal was buried and died intact. The soft parts of the underside are rarely preserved. The name 'TRILOBITE' means 'three lobed" and is derived from the fact these animals had bodies featuring three longitudinal lobes, not lateral (head, body, tail) as is often thought. The lateral division of three parts is shared by many arthropods, not just trilobites. Considerable study has been done on trilobites as a whole organism. Even more fascinating though, is the research done on a microscopic level with regards to trilobite morphology. Radiographs have captured incredible detail of complete and fully articulated antennae and underparts like legs and gills, preserved in the host rock of some fossilized specimens. Perhaps the most impressive and classic feature of trilobites that comes to mind is the eyes. Microscopic studies of trilobite eye structures have also revealed marvelous adaptation and very high degrees of specialization in vision. It seems that the more we learn about trilobites, the unfolding of their mystery is stranger than fiction. Certainly we gain a greater appreciation with each new discovery of these strange and highly advanced but now extinct 'butterflies of the ancient seas'. STUNNING NATURAL GRAY DROTOPS MAKES THIS A JAW-DROPPER FOR DISPLAY! Overall size with matrix 7.5" x 6.25", trilobite is 6" long SOLD TR10-008 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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