Fossil lobster

[Notidanodon]

Hi guys, found this over the summer from bed 17 of the atherfield clay near atherfield point (not the usual bed where the common lobsters come from! Much rarer and bigger) and was wondering if anyone could tell me the species, thanks !  (I just got it prepped and am considering entering it for fossil of the month.

 

[jpc]

wow... great find, great prep!

 

[Ludwigia]

Definitely FOTM material!

[Tidgy's Dad]

Mecochirus magna (was Meyeria magna) is the species usually found in the Lobster Beds at Atherfield, as you probably know. I found a dozen in a short visit.

In that bed they are usually quite small, but can be much bigger, especially in some of the beds just above and below where there seems to have been less competition.

I recall that some species of Hoploparia are found in some beds in the area, but your specimen doesn't have the claws or smoother body.

I think it's a large Mecochirus magna.

Beautiful find and prep job.

Edited October 24, 2023 by Tidgy's Dad

[pachy-pleuro-whatnot-odon]

I can't help out in identifying the specimen. But great find! Looks truly spectacular!

[Fossildude19]

@Notidanodon

 

You will need to provide supporting evidence that the prep was all done in this month, if you enter it for fossil of the month.

Bulk of the prep for an entry needs to happen during the month of the contest.

We will need start and end date for prep, with before and after photos. Preferably dated.

 

It is an amazing fossil, either way. 

[Notidanodon]

1 hour ago, Tidgy's Dad said:

Mecochirus magna (was Meyeria magna) is the species usually found in the Lobster Beds at Atherfield, as you probably know. I found a dozen in a short visit.

In that bed they are usually quite small, but can be much bigger, especially in some of the beds just above and below where there seems to have been less competition.

I recall that some species of Hoploparia are found in some beds in the area, but your specimen doesn't have the claws or smoother body.

I think it's a large Mecochirus magna.

Beautiful find and prep job.

Yes! They are in the lower beds I believe this was found much further up in the formation which is why I was unsure on the id! I found 12 in the layer exposed in the photo  nowhere near as well preserved though and the nodules don’t cover them I have a photo of one in situ! Fun to collect though!

 

 

 

30 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

@Notidanodon

 

You will need to provide supporting evidence that the prep was all done in this month, if you enter it for fossil of the month.

Bulk of the prep for an entry needs to happen during the month of the contest.

We will need start and end date for prep, with before and after photos. Preferably dated.

 

It is an amazing fossil, either way. 

I have before pictures  prep started and ended on the 15th 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Splendid.

 

[Fossildude19]

10 minutes ago, Notidanodon said:

I have before pictures  prep started and ended on the 15th 

 

 

 

I didn't need to know,  just letting you know, if you enter it.

You need to mention those details in the contest.

[trilobites_are_awesome]

Amazing!