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FASCINATING CROTALOCEPHALUS TRILOBITE WITH MORTAL BITE WOUND Atlas Mountain Range (Northern Sahara Desert), South Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago This is a rare example of a trilobite that was bitten and died from being preyed upon. You can see a distinct bite wound just behind the head, a classic region where most predators aim to strike for a kill. Missing portions of the carapace exist on both sides. It is clear that this was the cause of the death of this Cheirurus (Crotalocephalus) gibbus species trilobite. The trilobite is in a nice straight-out pose and has been fully prepared to expose it on its original matrix. Natural dark olive tone on the carapace contrasts well with the matrix. Rarely are trilobite fossils found showing unmistakable signs of predation but when the do arise, it gives us a valuable window into the lives of these bizarre creatures from millions of years go. For any trilobite collector, an example like this is seldom found and highly sought after. This is the only example of its kind we have to offer. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. No restoration. A bizarre and fascinating species of the Cheiruridae order of trilobites, the Crotalocephalus (Crotalocephalina) trilobite is an ugly duckling yet, desirable addition to any collector's cabinet. With it's fat, bulbous snout, tiny eyes and strange raised surfaces down its lobes, the Crotalocephalus trilobite is one of our personal favorites.
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'. FINE RARE AND PRIZED DISPLAY SPECIMEN OF MAJOR EDUCATIONAL IMPORTANCE - MORTAL WOUND NEAR HEAD 4" x 3" overall with original matrix, trilobite 2.75" in length $245 TR13-014 Actual Item - One Only |
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