Lagonibelus beaumontiana Fossil Belemnite Callovian Jurassic Hampton Lakes Peterborough UK with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Lagonibelus beaumontiana Belemnite from Hampton Lakes, Peterborough

This specimen is a genuine Lagonibelus beaumontiana fossil belemnite, dating from the Callovian Stage of the Middle Jurassic and discovered at Hampton Lakes, Peterborough, United Kingdom. At approximately 166–163 million years old, this fossil represents the preserved rostrum (guard) of an extinct squid-like cephalopod, a fascinating relic of Britain’s Jurassic seas.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact piece shown in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares included for accurate sizing reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

The Callovian Stage forms part of the Middle Jurassic, a period marked by widespread shallow seas across Europe. These environments were home to diverse marine faunas including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, and large marine reptiles.

The Hampton Lakes site in Peterborough is famous for its Oxford Clay Formation, one of the most important Jurassic marine deposits in the United Kingdom. Fossils from this locality are renowned for their preservation and scientific importance, with cephalopods like Lagonibelus beaumontiana playing a crucial role in reconstructing ancient marine ecosystems.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Genus: Lagonibelus
• Species: Lagonibelus beaumontiana
• Order: Belemnitida
• Superfamily: Belemnitoidea
• Family: Belemnitidae

Belemnites are extinct marine molluscs closely related to modern squid, octopus, and cuttlefish. Their hard internal skeleton, particularly the guard, is the most frequently preserved part and provides vital information for palaeontologists. Lagonibelus beaumontiana is a distinctive Callovian species, often used in biostratigraphic correlation across European Jurassic deposits.

Morphological Features

This specimen shows the characteristic features of Lagonibelus beaumontiana:

• Slender, Elongate Guard: Cylindrical in shape, tapering smoothly towards the apex.
• Alveolus: The hollow anterior cavity where the phragmocone was once attached.
• Surface Details: Often smooth with occasional subtle striations or grooves reflecting growth.
• Pointed Apex: Sharp posterior end, an adaptation for streamlined swimming.

These features gave belemnites an efficient, hydrodynamic form, allowing them to thrive as swift predators in Jurassic seas.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Lagonibelus beaumontiana is important in biostratigraphy, helping geologists to date and correlate Middle Jurassic sediments across Europe. Its limited stratigraphic range and distinctive morphology make it a reliable index fossil for Callovian deposits.

For collectors, specimens from Hampton Lakes, Peterborough are highly sought after, as the site is part of Britain’s fossil heritage and has yielded some of the finest Jurassic marine fossils known. This particular piece combines scientific interest with aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent addition to any collection.

Display and Educational Value

With its elegant shape and excellent provenance, this fossil is perfect for display as well as educational use. It demonstrates the evolutionary adaptations of belemnites and provides a tangible link to the marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas.

Ideal for private collections, museums, or teaching resources, this Lagonibelus beaumontiana belemnite from Hampton Lakes, Peterborough is both a striking specimen and a scientifically significant fossil. Owning it connects you directly with Britain’s Jurassic past and the story of cephalopod evolution.