Calcarichelys
Extinct genus of turtle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Calcarichelys ('spur turtle' or 'thorn turtle')[1] is an extinct genus of protostegid turtle from the Late Cretaceous of the Selma Formation in Alabama, and possibly from Angola.[2][1][3][4] It contains only one species, C. gemma.[3][5] The species epithet "gemma" refers to the nickname "The Gem" given to the holotype by collector C. M. Barber due to its preservation quality.[1]
| Calcarichelys Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| |
| Carapace and plastron, McWane Science Center | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | †Protostegidae |
| Genus: | †Calcarichelys Zangerl, 1953 |
| Type species | |
| Calcarichelys gemma Zangerl, 1953 | |
Discovery
The holotype specimen of Calcarichelys is known from Mooreville Chalk, Alabama.[1] More complete specimens are later described from same formation.[3] Another specimen that possibly belongs to Calcarichelys or related species is known from the Maastrichtian of Bentiaba, Angola.[4]
