Tropidocoryphacea

Tropidocoryphacea is an extinct superfamily of trilobites belonging to the order Proparia. These trilobites are characterized by their distinct cephalic (head) and pygidial (tail) shields that are often proportionally large compared to the thoracic segments. The glabella, the central raised lobe of the cephalic shield, is typically broad and either smooth or ornamented with subtle furrows. A defining feature of many tropidocoryphaceans is the presence of prominent genal spines, which extend backward from the posterior corners of the cephalic shield. The pygidium is usually well-developed, often displaying a rounded or subtriangular shape with distinct axial and pleural lobes.

Fossils of Tropidocoryphacea are found in marine sedimentary rocks dating primarily from the Devonian period. They are known from various locations worldwide, indicating a broad paleogeographic distribution during their existence. The precise ecological role of tropidocoryphaceans is not fully understood, but their morphology suggests they were likely benthic organisms, possibly living on or in the seafloor. Their diet and behavior are inferred from their anatomical features and the paleoenvironment in which they are found. The superfamily includes several families and genera, each with variations in their specific morphological traits, contributing to the diversity within this group of Paleozoic arthropods. Studying Tropidocoryphacea provides insights into the evolution and biodiversity of trilobites during the Devonian.