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4.2" Drotops Trilobite - Issoumour, Morocco
This is a large Drotops megalomanicus trilobite collected near Issoumour, Morocco. The head and tail are a bit tucked but it would be about 4.2" long if outstretched. Good eye facet detail in both eyes and no restoration.
About Drotops
Drotops is a genus of large Phacopid trilobites found in Morocco. The genus includes two species: Drotops megalomanicus, known for its smoother exoskeleton, and Drotops armatus, distinguished by its spiny armor. Renowned for their impressive size, these trilobites can reach lengths of up to seven inches, with most specimens ranging between four and five inches.
One of the most striking features of Drotops trilobites is their highly detailed schizochroal eyes, which contain dozens of individual facets. In well-preserved and expertly prepared specimens, these intricate eye structures are prominently visible, offering a glimpse into the advanced visual adaptations of these ancient arthropods.
Drotops Collection Photos
A photo of the Drotops quarry at Issoumour, Morocco showing the hard limestone layers being worked.
A photo of the Drotops quarry at Issoumour, Morocco. The quarry following the horizon where this trilobites are found extends several kilometers around the mountain.
How a Drotops might be found in the field, with part of the tail exposed in the broken rock. It would then be prepared using airscribes (or air pens) and air abrasives in a process that would likely take 20+ hours for a good specimen.
Drotops is a genus of large Phacopid trilobites found in Morocco. The genus includes two species: Drotops megalomanicus, known for its smoother exoskeleton, and Drotops armatus, distinguished by its spiny armor. Renowned for their impressive size, these trilobites can reach lengths of up to seven inches, with most specimens ranging between four and five inches.
One of the most striking features of Drotops trilobites is their highly detailed schizochroal eyes, which contain dozens of individual facets. In well-preserved and expertly prepared specimens, these intricate eye structures are prominently visible, offering a glimpse into the advanced visual adaptations of these ancient arthropods.
Drotops Collection Photos
A photo of the Drotops quarry at Issoumour, Morocco showing the hard limestone layers being worked.
A photo of the Drotops quarry at Issoumour, Morocco. The quarry following the horizon where this trilobites are found extends several kilometers around the mountain.
How a Drotops might be found in the field, with part of the tail exposed in the broken rock. It would then be prepared using airscribes (or air pens) and air abrasives in a process that would likely take 20+ hours for a good specimen.
About Trilobites
Trilobites were a very diverse group of extinct marine arthropods. They first appeared in the fossil record in the Early Cambrian (521 million years ago) and went extinct during the Permian mass extinction (250 million years ago). They were one of the most successful of the early animals on our planet: over 25,000 species have been described, filling nearly every evolutionary niche. Due in large part to their hard exoskeletons (shells), they left an excellent fossil record.
Trilobites were a very diverse group of extinct marine arthropods. They first appeared in the fossil record in the Early Cambrian (521 million years ago) and went extinct during the Permian mass extinction (250 million years ago). They were one of the most successful of the early animals on our planet: over 25,000 species have been described, filling nearly every evolutionary niche. Due in large part to their hard exoskeletons (shells), they left an excellent fossil record.
$375
SPECIES
Drotops megalomanicus
AGE
LOCATION
Issoumour, Morocco
FORMATION
Bou Dib Formation
SIZE
4.2" long (if oustretched)
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#243899
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