Reviews
4.9" Spiny Drotops Armatus Trilobite - Mrakib, Morocco
This is an impressive 4.9" long spiny Drotops armatus trilobite from the Bou Dib Formation of Morocco. The nearly 100 spines along its thorax would have made it unappetizing prey from the predators of the Devonian.
This is a nicely-prepared specimen with good eye facet preservation. Almost all Drotops armatus you see for sale have restored spines with the majority having all of their spines restored, whereas approximately 30% of the spines on this specimen are restored. Most of the longer spines with the exception of the ones on the center to left hand side of the tail are original, while most of the smaller spines such as the ones above the eyes are restored.
This is a nicely-prepared specimen with good eye facet preservation. Almost all Drotops armatus you see for sale have restored spines with the majority having all of their spines restored, whereas approximately 30% of the spines on this specimen are restored. Most of the longer spines with the exception of the ones on the center to left hand side of the tail are original, while most of the smaller spines such as the ones above the eyes are restored.
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.
SPECIES
Drotops armatus
AGE
LOCATION
Mrakib, Morocco
FORMATION
Bou Dib Formation
SIZE
4.9" long
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#244126
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