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7.7" Ankylosaur (Zuul) Osteoderm with Stand - Judith River Formation
This is a rare and nicely preserved, 7.7" wide scute (osteoderm) from the ankylosaurid dinosaur, Zuul crurivastator, collected from the Late Cretaceous Judith River Formation of Montana. These bony armor plates formed part of the extensive protective covering characteristic of ankylosaurian dinosaurs. Ankylosaur osteoderms of this quality are uncommon, making this an especially desirable fossil. Notably, Zuul crurivastator is the only formally described ankylosaurid species currently known from the Judith River Formation.
It is accompanied by the pictured custom metal display stand.
The scute is incomplete, missing a good portion of one edge. There are several repaired cracks through this specimen, the most notable of which runs across the entire scute, requiring gap fill restoration. This restoration is best seen on the ventral surface of the scute. Additional gap fill restoration can be found within some of the other repaired cracks. This restoration makes up approximately 2% of the specimen.
It is accompanied by the pictured custom metal display stand.
The scute is incomplete, missing a good portion of one edge. There are several repaired cracks through this specimen, the most notable of which runs across the entire scute, requiring gap fill restoration. This restoration is best seen on the ventral surface of the scute. Additional gap fill restoration can be found within some of the other repaired cracks. This restoration makes up approximately 2% of the specimen.
In 2014, the most complete ankylosaur to be found within the Judith River Formation was discovered accidentally when excavating a potential Gorgosaurus. This ankylosaur (described as Zuul crurivastator) was found slightly disarticulated, but mummified and nearly complete. The preservation of this ankylosaur included extremely rare soft tissue and in situ skin impressions. This discovery provided an excellent reference skeleton for other fragmentary ankylosaur specimens, as well as some insight into the epidermal anatomy of ankylosaurids.
Skull of Zuul crurivastator, collected in 2014 from the Judith River Formation of Montana
Ankylosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous and evolved complete body armor covered in plates, scutes, and spikes. They wielded a massive tail club which could have been used to defensive purposes against predators such as tyrannosaurs. Adult ankylosaurs are believed to have reached up to 25 feet in length.
Skull of Zuul crurivastator, collected in 2014 from the Judith River Formation of Montana
Ankylosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous and evolved complete body armor covered in plates, scutes, and spikes. They wielded a massive tail club which could have been used to defensive purposes against predators such as tyrannosaurs. Adult ankylosaurs are believed to have reached up to 25 feet in length.
About the Judith River Formation
The Judith River Formation is one of the world's most prolific sources of Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils. At least sixteen Orders containing more than forty Genera are known from the formation. These include fish, amphibians, mammals, and insects in addition to reptiles and avian (birds) and non-avian dinosaurs. Among the more interesting specimens is Leonardo, a mummified and fossilized Brachylophosaurus. This is a hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur found with amazing soft-tissue preservation: skin impressions can be found on 90 percent of its body! The pattern in the skin on its feet is even preserved. In addition to Leonardo, the Judith River Formation contains the remains of the theropod Hesperornis, the only known freshwater Hespernorthid, a penguin-like bird.
The Judith River Formation is one of the world's most prolific sources of Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils. At least sixteen Orders containing more than forty Genera are known from the formation. These include fish, amphibians, mammals, and insects in addition to reptiles and avian (birds) and non-avian dinosaurs. Among the more interesting specimens is Leonardo, a mummified and fossilized Brachylophosaurus. This is a hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur found with amazing soft-tissue preservation: skin impressions can be found on 90 percent of its body! The pattern in the skin on its feet is even preserved. In addition to Leonardo, the Judith River Formation contains the remains of the theropod Hesperornis, the only known freshwater Hespernorthid, a penguin-like bird.
$6,950
SPECIES
Zuul crurivastator
LOCATION
Montana
FORMATION
Judith River Formation
SIZE
7.7 x 4 x 1.2"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#382550
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