instonefossils

#onthisday Peltosaurus sp. Oligocene Brule Formation Pennington County, South Dakota Peltosaurus is an extinct genus of anguid lizard from North America that lived from the Eocene to the Oligocene.  Peltosaurus belongs to the anguid subfamily Glyptosaurinae.  Glyptosaurines are known primarily for their osteoderms, scale-like pieces of bone that are embedded in their skin and cover most of their bodies.  The osteoderms of glyptosaurines are unusually complex, consisting of four distinct layers of bony tissue.  These tissues may have derived from both the dermis and the epidermis during embryonic development.  The tissue forming the outermost layer of glyptosaurine osteoderms is similar to tooth enamel and is called osteodermine.

Phareodus: The Toothy Tank of Ancient Lakes Imagine a fish that’s both a sleek swimmer and a formidable predator — that’s Phareodus, a remarkable fossil fish found in the Green River Formation. Dating back about 52 million years to the Eocene epoch, Phareodus ruled the ancient freshwater lakes that once covered parts of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. This fish wasn’t just a pretty face — its streamlined body made it an agile hunter, while its sharp, curved teeth hint that it had a taste for other fish. Fossils often show Phareodus alongside bite marks or even half-digested prey, proving it wasn’t just swimming around for fun — it meant business! What's especially cool is that Phareodus fossils are often beautifully preserved, thanks to the fine-grained limestone of the Green River Formation. Some specimens even reveal delicate fin rays and scales, like nature’s own fossilized artwork. So, next time you imagine ancient lakes, picture Phareodus lurking in the shallows — the prehistoric fish that swam with style and snacked with savage precision. #wyoming #greenriverformation #naturalhistory #paleontologyexperience #PaleoFieldwork #fishing #fish #amazing #Love #anticipation #drive ##paleontological #science #fossilhunting #fyp

#fossils #wow #foryou #fyp #Wyoming #focusing #fossilpreparation #fossilprep #geology #paleontology

As the preparation of this enigmatic specimen nears completion, preliminary analysis suggests with approximately 98% confidence that it represents a dorsally compressed Masillosteus janeae, a rare and distinctive species from the Green River Formation. Following extensive and meticulous preparation over several hours, key morphological features have become visible, supporting this identification. Unfortunately, the specimen originated from a private collection, and no additional associated material has been recovered to date. Further images will be released shortly, along with video documentation of the final stages of preparation. #fossils #greenriverformation #paleontology #PaleontologyExperience #paleontological #fossilhunting #science #fossilpreparation #eocene #fossilprep #fyp #paleontologist

Discovering a mass mortality layer was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the season. I couldn't help but get excited — but that's the beauty of paleontology and being a passionate rock nerd! #fyp #Love #fun #fossilpreparation #fossils #PaleoFieldwork #paleontologyexperience #naturalhistory #greenriverformation #wyoming

one the coolest reveals of last year! I knew it was there before I started videoing 😉 #fyp #drive #palaeontology #wyoming #focusing #fun #adventuretime #perfect #tourism #tours #tour #tourpackage #paleontologyexperience #PaleoFieldwork #fun #museum #education #science #geology

The bottom capping layers, located just beneath the main 18-inch fossil bed, are some of the toughest to work with. Packed with rich organic material, the rock and bone often blend together so seamlessly that it's hard to tell them apart. These layers are also quite thick, adding to the challenge. Fossil prep here takes the right tools, lots of magnification, and a ton of patience. It’s slow, careful work — but when it’s done right, the results are absolutely worth it, revealing fossils with stunning detail. A couple people asked for a longer video, so enjoy! #fossil #fossils #fossilprep #fossilpreparation #greenriverformation #paleontology #fyp

#onthisday

#fyp #fossiladdict #wow #fossils #fossil #fossilpreparator #fossilprep

After more than two decades of excavating within the Green River Formation, I have seldom encountered a specimen of Amia pattersoni as meticulously prepared as this one. The precision and skill demonstrated by the preparator reflect an exceptional level of expertise. Such craftsmanship is crucial in revealing the delicate anatomical details of this remarkable fossil. This specimen will soon be available on our website for those interested in adding a rare and beautifully prepared piece to their collection. #paleontology #fossils #greenriverformation #wyoming #fossil #naturalhistory #fossils #tourism #paleontologist #fossildigging #amia #amazing #fish #fishing #naturalhistory #available #fyp