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LARGE RUTIODON TOOTH FROM RARE LOCATION Petrified Forest Formation - Near Adamana, Arizona, U.S.A. LATE TRIASSIC (ADAMANIAN AGE) : 227 - 221 million years ago This fossil tooth is a very rare and unique offer not only because Rutiodon is not a well-known prehistoric reptile but also because of its dating to the Triassic Period where few vertebrate fossils are ever available for public sale. Of all the Rutiodon specimens we will ever offer, this small, exclusive lot of fossil teeth will likely be remembered as the rarest. Their legal provenance from the Petrified Forest Formation coupled with their extraordinary size and preservation qualify for a place in any museum or world-class private collection. Collected by a geologist surveying a private ranchland (hence their legality), these Rutiodon teeth were a rare discovery likely to not ever be repeated. This specimen and DT12-013 were amongst the largest of the group. This is a super example from the side of the jaw where the teeth served to cut flesh. It is wide, thick and very strong to be able to sustain severe punishment. Serrations are present and well-defined. Very minute natural feeding wear is evident. Color is a fade from light gold to rich, dark walnut brown. The tip on this specimen appears to have been repaired but it is only a partial surface fissure in the enamel alone. The tooth is INTACT WITH NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. This tooth is exactly as found and rare in this size.
With their heavily
armored bodies measuring up to 16 feet in length and brandishing a slender
snout full of razor sharp teeth, it is no doubt these creatures were the
dominant predators in the lakes, rivers and swamps of the northern
hemisphere during their time. HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE DUE TO ITS PROVENANCE - RARE SIZE AND CONDITION! 1.2" in length on the leading edge $225 DT12-014 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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225 |
Rutiodon was a member of
the Angistorhininae group of phytosaurs and was a large, stout and
powerful reptile of the Triassic. Phytosaurs
are anything but what their name suggests. When the first phytosaur
was discovered, there were petrified mud fillings in the jaw that were
misidentified as herbivore teeth. Initially, it was mistakenly
thought that these were plant-eating reptiles, hence the name. That
could not be further from the truth. The name has stuck,
however. A more accurate name has been applied called
"Parasuchia" meaning 'alongside crocodiles' for their
resemblance to the beasts but this name is seldom used. Phytosaurs
are not considered dinosaurs but were semi-aquatic reptiles.