The first report of Chelonioidea cf. Ctenochelys from the Late Cretaceous of the Maastrichtian type area

Abstract

A mandible of a Late Cretaceous sea turtle with affinities to Ctenochelys is reported from the Maastrichtian type area of the Netherlands. The triangular mandible has a well-developed symphyseal ridge surrounded on both sides by large, concave areas on the triturating surface. It represents the first potential occurrence of Ctenochelys from the Maastrichtian type area. This finding increases the diversity of the turtle fauna known from the Maastrichtian type area.

Keywords

• Ctenochelys
• Maastrichtian
• Netherlands
• Chelonioidea
• dentary