Kayentachelys aprix

Kayentachelys aprix from the Early Jurassic of Arizona is the earliest recorded cryptodire turtle.

Name

Kayentachelys aprix

Authority

Gaffney, Hutchinson, Jenkins & Meeker, 1987

Meaning of generic name

"Kayenta turtle"

Meaning of specific name

exposed to the sun

Size

[not given]

Remains

Holotype (MNA V1558): skull and shell.

Referred materials: MCZ 8914, MCZ 8983, MCZ 8917, MNA V1558, MNA V2664, TMM 43647-1, TMM 43651-1, TMM 43670-2, UCMP 130408, TMM43670-1.

Age and Distribution

Horizon: Kayenta Formation, early Jurassic (Plienbaschian).

Locality: Gold Spring Quarry, Adeii Eechii Cliffs, Coconino County, Arizona, US.

Classification

Anapsida Chelonia Cryptodira Kayentachelyidae

Further Reading

Gaffney, E. S., Hutchison, J. H., Jenkins, F. A., Jr and Meeker, L. J. 1987. Modern turtle origins: the oldest known cryptodire. Science 237: 289–291.

Sterli, J. and Joyce, W. G. 2007. The cranial anatomy of the Early Jurassic turtle Kayentachelys aprix. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 52: 675–694.

Image by Nobu Tamura (click to enlarge)

Kayentachelys aprix: