Exceptional Miocene Fossil Frog

Description: This matric displays an exceptionally fine fossil specimen of the frog Rana basaltica from the lacustrine deposits of the Shanwang Biota of the Miocene of China with fine preservational details. The region was a shallow lake in which planta and animals that fell into the water were covered with a fine layer of silt which built up over the ages in thin laminae. The deposits are quite moist, and specimens are typically surrounded by paraffin to prevent exfoliation of the laminae. The fossil will ship in a glass frame which should be replaced with a suitable clear moisture-proof container. It has been held as you see here for over 10 years. The Shanwang biota is well-known for the fine detail of its specimens, detail most evident in this well-articulated specimen. While frogs are not reptiles, I have posted this specimen in that category for ease of location within my store.