Trilobites: Witnesses of the Dawn of Life Trilobite...

This specimen belongs to the species Gerastos granulosus, a trilobite of the order Proetida, that lived during the Middle Devonian, about 390 million years ago. It comes from the famous fossil-bearing formations of Djebel Issoumour, near Alnif, in southeastern Morocco, one of the world’s best-known areas for the quality and variety of fossil trilobites. Gerastos granulosus is distinguished by its compact, rounded body, the exoskeleton characterized by dense natural granulation and holochroal compound eyes, formed by hundreds of tiny lenses closely joined. These ocular structures provided full 360° vision, an ideal adaptation for benthic life on the sea floor. The prominent glabella, the thorax with regular segments, and the well-developed pygidium are distinctive features of the Proetidae family. In this specimen, the preservation is extraordinary: the surface texturing is perfectly visible, with fine and natural details that honor the evolutionary refinement of these ancient arthropods. Natural coloration ranges from dark brown to black with slight reddish tones, typical of fossils from this region. The specimen is presented on its original matrix in a “relaxed” pose, not rolled or compressed, which further highlights the quality of preparation. Age: Middle Devonian (~390 million years ago) Species: Gerastos granulosus Order: Proetida Provenance: Djebel Issoumour, Alnif, Morocco Trilobite size (without matrix): 50mm Condition: Specimen perfectly preserved, on original matrix

Estimate:$392.6

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic