Pillar Tortoise, Stylemys nebrascensis, on Stand

This sand-colored Land Tortoise Shell Fossil has had much of its matrix removed to showcase the smooth shell and scutes. The shell is nicely inflated and not crushed as many fossils are. The fossil is in good condition and includes a metal stand to display the shell. Stylemys ("pillar turtle") is the first fossil genus of dry land tortoise discovered in the United States. The genus lived in temperate to subtropical areas of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Stylemis nebrascensis, from the Oligocene 35 million years ago.