An exceptional cheloniid turtle, Osonachelus decorata nov. gen., nov. sp., from the Eocene (Bartonian) of Catalonia (Spain) ☆

摘要: Abstract Osonachelus decorata nov. gen., sp., is the first named chelonioid turtle from Iberian Peninsula. This Eocene was found in marine sediments of Vespella Marls Member (Vic-Manlleu Formation, upper Bartonian) that occur Osona county (eastern Ebro Basin, Province Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain). The area rich invertebrate, fish, and plant fossils but various vertebrates, including several chelonian taxa, have remained unpublished. paper dedicated to fossil turtles this area. gen. a large with an impressive, massive skull revealing specialized diet, well-fenestrated shell (well ornamented dorsally much lightened ventrally), paddles for high-sea locomotion. It phylogenetically located among relatively advanced cheloniids, just basal modern forms. Although apparent similarities morphology exist Allopleuron Maastrichtian Holland, distinct due its masticatory apparatus, less usual cheloniids seemingly closer Lutetian Eochelone Belgium. Based on deeply concave smooth lower jaw symphysis, diet probably consisted soft animals or plants rather than hard-food items. Therefore, it occupied ecological niche unique