Fine Mecochirus Solnhofen Lobster Fossil

Mecochirus longimanus

(Schlotheim 1820)

Class Malacostraca, Order Decapoda, Superfamily Glypheoide

Geological Time: Late Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossil lobster is 80 mm (including forelegs , Matrix: 200 mm by 135 mm

Fossil Site: Solnhofen Lagerstätte, Malm Zeta 2, Legenaltheim, Germany

Fossil Code: GF97

Price: $695.00


Mecochirus Solnhofen Lobster FossilDescription: This is a fine example of a lobster from the lithographic limestone deposits of Solnhofen, Germany, known as Mecochirus longimanus. The elongated first pair of walking legs are most distinctive, and are the derivation of the name of the species (long arm). As is often the case, the cephalothorax is not totally preserved, thought to be a consequence of its thin, unmineralized nature relative to many other crustacean of the region. These 150 million year old deposits are famous for their exceptionally well-preserved organisms, the most famous of which are the handful of specimens of the ancient bird Archaeopteryx. Crustaceans such as this rarely remain in articulation, making this a fine piece. It is well-positioned on its large lithographic limestone matrix, a suitable representative of this remarkable largerstatt that is sure to be a welcome addition to any collection of specimens from the region.

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