Ancient Seas, Morocco, Hamar Laghdad Formation, Devonian Period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 Million years ago. A beautiful and unusual looking trilobite fossil within a stone matrix and presented on a modern stone tray with a protective glass dome. The protruding spines and stalked eyes identify this fossil as part of the Ceratarges spinosus genus. This prehistoric "sea bug" certainly looks like modern silverfish insects or even Hollywood’s rendering of extra-terrestrials. The preparation on this trilobite gives the impression that this prehistoric creature is actively patrolling the ocean floor, much in the way they would have traveled. The fossilized trilobite contrasts nicely with the lighter hues of the stone matrix it is encased in. The matrix is mounted on a polished volcanic stone tray with three feet. A glass dome sits within the lip of the tray to protect the delicate spines. A wonderful presentation of one of the more sinister looking trilobite species! Size of matrix: 4" L x 3" W x 1.5" H (10.2 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm); with tray & globe: 5" W x 6" H (12.7 cm x 15.2 cm)

Trilobites are a fossil group of extinct marine arthropods that form one of the earliest known groups of arthropods. The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all trilobite orders except the Proetids died out. Trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. Trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, roaming the oceans for over 270 million years! The large spines on Ceratarges may have helped protect the underbelly when enrolled in a protective ball.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#163998

Matrix repaired from 5 pieces. Break lines extend across trilobite with infill along the fissures. Spines restored and repaired from many pieces and reattached. Loss to tips of two spines. Nice presentation on modern carved and polished stone tray with glass dome.