2.6" Trident Walliserops Trilobite - Foum Zguid, Morocco

This is a 2.6" long Walliserops trifurcatus trilobite from the Timrhanrhart Formation near Foum Zguid, Morocco. The distinctive forked trident has prepared free-standing along with nearly 40 spines, a process which takes 30-40 hours of work under microscope. There is the head of a Cyphaspis preserved next to it. Total restoration on this piece is less than 1%

Walliserops 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.