Calcarichelys Temporal range: | |
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Carapace and plastron, McWane Science Center | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Cryptodira |
Family: | † Protostegidae |
Genus: | † Calcarichelys Zangerl, 1953 |
Type species | |
Calcarichelys gemma Zangerl, 1953 |
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 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]
Calcarichelys is a small protostegid, with a carapace length of 25.3 cm (10.0 in). [3] It is probably closely related to Chelosphargis , as they share some characteristics. [1] [3] Unlike Chelosphargis, Calcarichelys is characterized by thornlike neural plates. [1] [3]