A NEW undescribed phacopid trilobite from the Anthropocene is herein
described and figured. The carapace of this specimen is exceptionally
preserved, with new insights into phacopid eyes and cuticle. The unususal
taphonomy of this specimen is also addressed.











diagnosis.-Typical phacopid morphology, number of pleural segments
greatly reduced - only four present. Axial lobe greatly reduced. Pygidium
composed of only 1 segment that has been fused from an indeterminate
number of ancestral segments, no evidence of an axial lobe in the pygidium.
Thorax smells strongly of mint. Cephalon also shows greatly reduced morphology. Glabella is absent. Anterior margin plain, shows no evidence of
a doblure. No cephalic sutures present. Eyes greatly enlarged, composed of chocolate, lenses absent. Ventral morphology absent - no evidence of limbs, rostral plate or hypostome present, tastes distinctly sweet.

Figure 1.
Note the great reduction of several key trilobite features, including: glabella, glabellar furrows, cephalic sutures, number of thoracic segments greatly reduced, axial lobe absent, pygidium greatly reduced. Scale bar = 1cm.

Phacops chocolata n. sp.

discussion.-Although the morphology of this strange representitive of Trilobita is radically different than most
members of the class, a number of features are present that allow inclusion of this unusual specimen within this group. It clearly possesses a cephalon, thorax and pygidium, and although the axial lobe is greatly reduced, vestiges of it can be seen under a stereographic microscope. It is not the inclusion of this example within the Trilobita that is most troubling, but the preservation.
It is hard to comprehend the conditions in which such a taphonomic regime could have persisted. Under SEM analysis (repeated numerous times to confirm), it has been shown that the entire fossil is composed of the disaccharide C12H22O11, or sucrose, with minor other traces of carbon and other naturally occuring compounds. It is difficult to imagine a process that could produce this fossil. Rapid burrial (possibly in fine grained flour?) followed by infiltration of a sticky, sweet substance, and the eventual infusion of peppermint oil. This model is only preliminary, and requires much, much more work. These phacopids were presented to my by the discoverers, who happen to be some very good friends on my birthday. Many thanks guys.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

Phylum Arthropoda Latreille, 1829
Class Trilobita Walch, 1771
Order Phacopida Salter, 1864
Family Phacopidae
Genus Phacops Emmrich
PHACOPS CHOCOLATA n. sp.
Figure 1.