Cretaceous Slipper Lobster Fossil

Description: A fine example of a decapod of the Cenomanian Stage (93-97 m.y.a) Sublithographic limestone deposits of Hajoula, Lebanon, this one was labeled as Sculda (mantis shrimp), but I am more inclined to believe it is a slipper lobster based upon the “scoops” at the front (Family Scyllaridae). Modern-day Slipper Lobsters hide by day, coming out to forage at night. These lobsters are also called Bulldozer Lobsters, a reference to the shovel-like modified antennae that they use to plow through the substrate in a search for food. A fine example of the degree of preservation found in these deposits found some 270 meters below the surface. Many invertebrate fossils from Lebanon are artificially colored, with various features highlighted by paint. This is NOT the case here, letting you see the natural preservation without enhancement.