DROTOPS MEGALOMANICUS TRILOBITE LAB PREPPED - Atlas Mountains, Morocco

DEVONIAN PERIOD:  395 - 345 million years ago

As one of the largest Devonian Period trilobites, the Drotops megalomanicus is a perfect classic display trilobite due to its typical features in massive proportions.  No squinting needed here to admire all the characteristics that make trilobites such amazing creatures with its pustulose shell, dramatic segments and lobes, and large multi-lens eyes.  Sadly, this trilobite is no longer being found in the Atlas region as prevalent as it once was 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.  Even out of the four dozen genuine specimens we currently have in stock, we were hard-pressed to chose three to warrant the care and effort in preparation that we performed here.  This specimen is one of those rare three and was the finest in a lot of 50 that we recently purchased!  We have meticulously prepared this fossil with micro-abrasive equipment to best expose the delicate detail as well as smooth out the surrounding matrix.

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.  

Never before have we offered such a remarkable and fascinating example.  The entire head (cephalon) is rising off the rock with the complete hypostoma fully exposed as shown in the second to last image.  Both eyes are 100% complete and exhibit the finest possible lens detail.  Genuine and orginal limestone matrix is very thick and left in a natural state beneath.  Trilobite is fully inflated and has been prepared in high elevation with relation to the host rock.  It doesn't get any better than this.  A superb and very lifelike pose offering several display options.  Like all of our specimens, we guarantee the authenticity of this rare fossil trilobite.  Without a doubt, this will be one of the most prized trilobites in any collection regardless of how large or advanced!  

UNBELIEVABLE EXAMPLE - OUR FINEST AND MOST IMPRESSIVE EVER!

Overall size with matrix 7" x 5.3", trilobite is 5" long if straightened

SOLD     TR10-007     INCLUDES STAND     Actual Item - One Only

795