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CLUSTER OF GIANT ARMADILLO ARMOR PLATES (SCUTES) IN ORIGINAL RIVER BOTTOM MATRIX Suwannee River - Florida, U.S.A. PLEISTOCENE PERIOD: 1.81 million years - 10,000 years ago From the Pleistocene deposits of the Suwannee River in Florida, this is a highly unusual specimen of associated armor plates (scutes) of the extinct Giant Armadillo Holmesina septentrionalis. The cluster is still embedded in original river bottom clay as found and substrate is loaded with fossil Pleistocene gastropod fossil shells. Six armor plates or portions thereof are present. Matrix fossils are valuable and fascinating as they offer the chance for the viewer to see what the surrounding environment was like in which the fossils were found. This is the first time we have offered such a unique armored plate (scute) fossil from any creature! Each plate displays the bizarre geometric varieties of armor scutes that made up the massive tank-like shell of this strange beast of the last Ice Age. Guaranteed NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION. An affordable set of associated fossil remains offering a unique and educational specimen for your collection.In North America, there are two species of Holmesina that are known with both based on Florida finds. The smaller animal is named, Holmesina floridanus and lived during the late Pliocene on into the early Pleistocene. Floridanus' larger cousin at more than twice its size, Holmesina septentrionalis, ranged from the middle to late Pleistocene. At over 600 pounds and exceeding 6 feet in length, the Giant Armadillo must have been one heavy land tank of an animal. It is believed these creatures spread to Florida during the Pleistocene from their original domain in South America. It is still a mystery as to what they ate. Modern armadillos eat insects but to sustain 600 pounds of body mass would have required some other type of food source. About 9800 years ago, a dramatic shift in the climate caused their extinction in Florida. UNUSUAL ONE-OF-A-KIND FOSSIL ARMOR PLATE SET IN MATRIX! 5.25" x 3" overall SOLD LM5-007 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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