Superb Fossil Turtle Skeleton. Apalone heteroglypta. Eocene . Green River Formation. Wyoming, USA. ...

Description

Superb Fossil Turtle Skeleton
Apalone heteroglypta
Eocene
Green River Formation
Wyoming, USA
This truly incredible fossil turtle is a rarity, and a remarkably well preserved example. Formerly termed Trionyx, this variety now called Apalone, this massive specimen has the dorsal side exposed and the full skeleton articulated with the skull, neck, and limbs, with the exception of the right limb, completely and wonderfully extended. The marine creature's carapace (top shell) measuring 16 inches (40 cm) across is intact exhibiting suture patterns and surface ornamentation. The plastron (bottom shell) is presumed in the rock underneath the exposed fossil. Some pelvic bones are visible near the tail, and a disarticulated group of bones from the right hind limb are exposed. Given that fossil turtles are typically discovered as shell fragments, an exceptional, complete and articulated specimen, like this example, is extremely rare. The lower jaw is, amazingly, articulated with the skull, and the head is tilted to the right side of the shell.
The rounded shell, and near full loss of the eighth costal bones, distinguishes this variety from all of the other "soft-shelled" turtles from Fossil Lake in the Green River Formation and confirms the uncommon nature of this rare find. This is superlative example of a unique variety of fossil turtle not often available and puts a how new "spin" on what life must have been like during the Eocene in present-day Wyoming.
Overall Measurements: 47.50 x 36.00 x 3.00 inches (120.65 x 91.44 x 7.62 cm)

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