Steneosaurus Jurassic Crocodile Fossil

Description: This is the skull of a juvenile crocodilian known as Steneosaurus bollensis. An adult would have a long rostral extension as seen is the artist’s rendering. The genus is found in Europe and Morocco, and ranged in time from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. Note the occipital condyle on the back of the skull which would allow the head to move laterally as well as vertically and rotate. Both crocodilians and birds share this feature with dinosaurs, while amphibians and mammals possess a pair of condyles. Note as well the foramen magnum which serves as a conduit for the spinal column. Specimens such as this are only rarely offered for sale, so the astute collector would be well advised to move quickly to secure it.