RARE: Fossil Juvenile Crab – Notopocorystes stokesi – Gault Clay – Cretaceous – Folkestone, Kent, UK

Description

RARE Fossil Juvenile Crab – Notopocorystes stokesi – Gault Clay – Cretaceous – Folkestone, Kent, UK

This listing features a beautifully preserved juvenile crab fossil, belonging to the extinct species Notopocorystes stokesi, from the Lower Cretaceous Gault Clay Formation of Folkestone, Kent, in the United Kingdom. This exceptional specimen represents one of the rare invertebrate finds from this historically rich site, dated to the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 100–113 million years ago.

Fossil Type: Juvenile Crab (Carapace & Partial Appendages)

Species: Notopocorystes stokesi

Order: Decapoda

Superfamily: Xanthoidea

Family: Notopocorystidae

Geological Stage: Albian (Lower Cretaceous)

Formation: Gault Clay Formation

Location: Folkestone, Kent, England

Depositional Environment: Marine clay and silty beds from an outer shelf marine environment, rich in invertebrate and vertebrate fauna

Morphology Features:

This juvenile crab fossil shows a partially complete carapace with delicate preservation of surface detail and some visible appendage impressions. Notopocorystes is noted for its oval, slightly domed carapace, and this smaller specimen hints at those defining characteristics. The fossil reflects the early developmental stage of this crustacean and captures a moment in its ontogeny.

Notable:

Fossils of Notopocorystes stokesi are uncommon in the juvenile form, making this specimen both scientifically interesting and collectible. Gault Clay crab fossils in such condition are rarely found in this size and quality, especially with visible anatomical features.

Condition: Well-preserved with detailed carapace impression and partial limb structures. Carefully collected and professionally handled. This is the actual specimen you will receive.

Scale Reference: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Please see photo for full sizing.

Important Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Perfect for collectors of Cretaceous marine fauna, crustacean fossils, and rare invertebrate palaeontology specimens from classic UK fossil sites.