A global phylogeny of Pelomedusoides turtles with new material of Neochelys franzeni Schleich, 1993 (Testudines, Podocnemididae) from the middle Eocene, Messel Pit, of Germany

A global phylogenetic analysis reveals that Neochelys franzeni, a pleurodire turtle from the middle Eocene Messel Pit (Germany), is closely related to the Erymnochelys madagascariensis-Peltocephalus dumerilianus clade within the Podocnemididae family. This study expands the known fossil record of Neochelys franzeni by describing five new specimens, including individuals at various ontogenetic stages, alongside a redescription of previously documented specimens. The exceptional preservation of these fossils provides critical insights into the evolution and morphology of this genus, shedding light on its relationships with South American and African-Madagascar podocnemidids.

Cadena, E. (2015). A global phylogeny of Pelomedusoides turtles with new material of Neochelys franzeni Schleich, 1993 (Testudines, Podocnemididae) from the middle Eocene, Messel Pit, of Germany. PeerJ, 3, e1221. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1221