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GIANT ARMADILLO ATLAS VERTEBRA - Suwannee River - Florida, U.S.A. PLEISTOCENE PERIOD: 1.81 million years - 10,000 years ago From the Pleistocene deposits of the Suwannee River, this magnificent UNBROKEN Giant Armadillo atlas vertebra is an uncommon example as these are usually broken when discovered. The species this specimen belongs to is Holmesina septentrionalis. This well-mineralized vertebra is remarkable in its condition and is a very rare find. The bone is so well preserved that it clinks like fine china. All articulating joint surfaces are in exceptionally dense condition. The atlas vertebra is the first vertebra just behind the skull. The ball joints (occipital condyles) of the skull articulate with the two round sockets of this vertebra. Guaranteed NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION. This beauty is AS FOUND!In North America, there are two species of Holmesina that are known with both based on Florida finds. The smaller animal is named, H. floridanus and lived during the late Pliocene on into the early Pleistocene. Floridanus' larger cousin at more than twice its size, H. 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. USUALLY FOUND BROKEN IN HALF, THIS IS RARE AS IT IS INTACT - CHOICE PRESERVATION! 3.4" wide x 1.85" high $115 LM5-009 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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