The presently best-preserved specimen of Lower Devonian dalmanitid trilobite of the Prague Basin (Czech Republic) with articulated hypostome
Abstrakt
A rare, complete specimen of Zlichovaspis (Zlichovaspis) rugosa rugosa (Hawle & Corda, 1847) with in situ articulated hypostome is described from the locality Tetín Hill near Beroun (Bohemia). This unique sample is stored in the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Lille (France).
Dalmanitid trilobites with articulated hypostome represent very rare findings worldwide, although these trilobites show the conterminant type of the hypostome. Although these trilobites are a common component of Devonian communities inhabiting Prague Basin, only eight specimens with hypostome attached to the doublure and/or hypostome preserved very close to the doublure have been described; they all belong to the common species Zlichovaspis (Zlichovaspis) rugosa rugosa and Odontochile cristata Hawle & Corda, 1847, respectively.
The newly described specimen represents most probably a carcass. It is the best preserved specimen of this species with hypostome in situ and provides the opportunity to reconstruct the 3D orientation of the hypostome and its relation to the cephalon for the first time.
The possible causes of the apparent paucity of specimens with hypostome in situ in Devonian dalmanitid trilobites are discussed.