A plastron fragment reveals a previously unrecorded turtle species in the Eocene of Messel Pit, Germany

Researchers have identified a previously unrecorded turtle species from the Middle Eocene Messel Pit formation in Germany, based on a partial plastron fragment. The specimen, SMF ME-3495, exhibits unique morphological features such as gular tubercles, an extensive epiplastral lip, narrow gulars that overlap the entoplastron, and a sinuous gulo-humeral sulcus. These characteristics distinguish it from other known Messel turtle taxa. While insufficient to diagnose contemporary European species, its morphology suggests affinities with "ptychogasterid" geoemydids (Cryptodira). The study also notes bone corrosion indicative of 'shell disease' and distinctive coloration, providing additional insights into this fossil's biological context.

Ascarrunz, E., & Joyce, W. G. (2024). A plastron fragment reveals a previously unrecorded turtle species in the Eocene of Messel Pit, Germany. Fossil Record, 27(2), 259–264. https://doi.org/10.3897/fr.27.132374