Calcarichelys


Calcarichelys is an extinct genus of protostegid turtle from the Late Cretaceous of the Selma Formation in Alabama, and possibly from Angola. It contains only one species, ''C. gemma.''

Discovery

The holotype specimen of Calcarichelys is known from Mooreville Chalk, Alabama. More complete specimens are later described from same formation. Another specimen that possibly belongs to Calcarichelys or related species is known from the Maastrichtian of Bentiaba, Angola.

Description

Calcarichelys is a small protostegid, with a carapace length of. It is probably closely related to Chelosphargis, as they share some characteristics. Unlike Chelosphargis, Calcarichelys is characterized by thornlike neural plates.