Clidastes sp.

Articulated Specimen.  Composite image of the mosasaur while still in the formation.

Remarks

• The guys at the Museum of Natural History of Alabama (University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa) were kind enough to send us photos of a mosasaur that was excavated in June of 2002.  I want to especially thank Curator Dr. Ed Hooks for giving us permission to show this incredible marine vertebrate and preparator David Lueth for photographing the mosasaur.  Thanks!

• "Artemis", as they've named it, is a 9' 8" mosasaur that was discovered (articulated!) in the Selma Group, Mooreville Chalk, in Greene County, Alabama. 

• They tell us that it will take about 2 years to completely prepare, and this gives us a chance to document the progress of their work.

• Check back every so often to see their progess below!

the neck

left front manus (flipper)

head

(10/26/03)

right rear flipper

(12/26/03)

tail

Other specimens

Selma Group, Dallas County, Alabama

Reconstructed articulation is based on comparison with pelvis of Mosasaurus conodon in Russell, D. A.  1967 (text-fig. 56, p. 98, ref below).

Clidastes Skull  Selma Group, Alabama

For more information on Clidastes:

• Russell, D. A.  1967.  Systematics and Morphology of American Mosasaurs.  Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University Bulletin 23.

• Williston, S. W.  1893.  Mosasaurs, Part II:  Restoration of Clidastes.  Kansas University Quarterly 2(2), 83-84.

• Williston, S. W.  1914.  Water Reptiles of the Past and Present.  Chicago:  University of Chicago Press.  The electronic reprint of Williston's book is available for free viewing at Herper E-books. *link dead on last check 07/30/08