Pterosaur Claw. Pterosauria. Cretaceous. Tegana Formation, Kem Kem Basin. Sahara Desert, Morocco. ...

Description

Pterosaur Claw
Pterosauria
Cretaceous
Tegana Formation, Kem Kem Basin
Sahara Desert, Morocco

This thin claw, with a pronounced curvature and mottled reddish-brown coloration, resembles a digit from a raptor dinosaur but is actually, but not surprisingly, from a pterosaur. A member of the Order Pterosauria of flying, winged reptiles, the variety dating to the Cretaceous, while not taxonomically a dinosaur by definition, has captivated collectors like the associated "terrible lizards" of the Mesozoic Era. This thin yet solid example features a noticeable blood groove, with the channel particularly deep on one side. From the famous Kem Kem Basin in Morocco, this claw 'core' from the Sahara Desert exhibits a very sharp tip and a fishhook shape. The fairly complete offering shows indications of stabilization as adhesive residue is visible over part of the exterior of the specimen, but overall restoration is minimal.
Measurements: 1.50 x 1.12 x 0.29 inches (3.81 x 2.85 x 0.73 cm)



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