Calcarichelys

Calcarichelys ('spur turtle' or 'thorn turtle')^[1] is an extinct genus of protostegid turtle from the Late Cretaceous of the Selma Formation in Alabama, and possibly from Angola.^[2][1][3][4] It contains only one species, C. gemma.^[3][5]

Calcarichelys Temporal range: Campanian–Maastrichtian PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Carapace and plastron, McWane Science Center
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Testudines
Suborder:	Cryptodira
Family:	†Protostegidae
Genus:	†Calcarichelys Zangerl, 1953
Type species
Calcarichelys gemma Zangerl, 1953

Discovery

The holotype specimen of Calcarichelys is known from Mooreville Chalk, Alabama.^[1] More complete specimens are later described from same formation.^[3] Another specimen that possibly belongs to Calcarichelys or related species is known from the Maastrichtian of Bentiaba, Angola.^[4]

Description

Calcarichelys is a small protostegid, with a carapace length of 25.3 cm (10.0 in).^[3] It is probably closely related to Chelosphargis, as they share some characteristics.^[1][3] Unlike Chelosphargis, Calcarichelys is characterized by thornlike neural plates.^[1][3]