A new Shachemydinae (Chelonii, Cryptodira) from the Lower Cretaceous of Laos: preliminary data

Abstract

The Lower Cretaceous of Laos produced remains of freshwater cryptodiran turtles including some elements of aff. Xinjiangchelys and of Trionychoidea: Trionychidae, Carettochelyidae and beautiful specimens of a new species of Shachemys. The latter is defined, compared and placed in the family Adocidae. The family is reconsidered and the subfamily Shachemydinae is confirmed; the latter ranges from the Upper Jurassic to the Senonian of Asia. Its good adaptation to aquatic life is asserted. To cite this article: F. de Lapparent de Broin, C. R. Palevol 3 (2004) .