Name: Choristodera: Manchurosuchus splendens
Age: Lower Cretaceous (~125 m.y.a.)
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): 345 mm long (tip of skull to tip of tail along backbone); Matrix: 358 mm by 152 mm
Location: Yixian Formation, Lingyuan, Liaoning Province of China
Code: CF004
Price: $1795.00 - Sold
 Description:
The Choristoderes are a poorly-known group of aquatic reptiles. For
over a century, they were only known from two genera from North America
and Europe. Over the last 20 years, some 9 additional genera have
been referred to the Choristodera. This reptile was initially referred
to the Thecodontia by the discoverer R.Endo in 1940. It was later
referred to the Choristodera by Ke-qin Gao in 2000 based upon a neotype
specimen, since the original holotype was reportedly lost during WWII.
Recent years have seen a number of specimens come to light, some with
integumentary preservation. Notice that this fine example has portions
of the basic outline of the body evident. Some scientists believe
the skin was much like the modern-day Chinese Crocodile Lizard Shinisaurus
crocodilurus , a semi-aquatic lizard that preys on small fish, amphibians,
and invertebrates. At 345 mm, this one is in the top 25 percent of
examples seen. |
