Arched Trident Walliserops Trilobite - 3"

This is one of the weirdest, and most visually stunning species of trilobite, Walliserops trifurcatus. There is some debate about the purpose of the trident shaped appendage or rostrum coming off the front of it's head but it's likely it could have either had sensory purposes or have been used to stir up the mud while looking for food.

This specimen was preserved in a "climbing" position and is well prepared. It would be just over 3 inches long if outstreched. It has great shell detail including nice eye facets. There are around 40 small spines running down it's thorax which have been painstakingly free stood using air abrasives. Preparing a trilobite like this takes dozens of hours of work by a very skilled preparator. No significant restoration.