Eichstaettisaurus (Solnhofen Lizard)
Eichstaettisaurus schroederi • Body fossil; Vertebrate (Reptile/Squamate)
Geological Period
Late Jurassic (Tithonian stage)
Estimated Age
Approximately 145 to 150 million years
Preservation Type
Combination of replacement and mineralized impression; high-fidelity skeletonization within lithographic limestone layers.
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the specimen shows superb articulation and partial preservation of soft tissue outlines (halo effect). Minimal restoration is evident in the preparation work.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Squamata; Family: Eichstaettisauridae; Genus: Eichstaettisaurus
Morphological Description
The specimen exhibits a slender, elongated body with a highly articulated vertebral column. Visible are the skull with large orbital openings, well-defined ribs, and four pentadactyl limbs. The tail is exceptionally long and thin. The phalanges are clearly visible, indicating a climbing or terrestrial lifestyle.
Rock Matrix
Fine-grained Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone (Plattenkalk), creamy-white to buff color, with minimal mineral dendrite inclusions.
Formation & Location
Solnhofen Limestone Formation; Bavaria, Germany (Altmuhltal region).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 15-20 cm in total length; typical for small Jurassic squamates from this Lagerstätte.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
Rarity Assessment
Very Rare; while fish and crustaceans are common in Solnhofen, articulated terrestrial reptiles are highly sought after and found infrequently.
Scientific Significance
Provides critical data on the early evolution of squamates (lizards and snakes). Solnhofen specimens like this offer insights into the Jurassic terrestrial ecosystem adjacent to the Tethys Ocean lagoons.
Preparation Recommendations
Professional air-abrasion and scribe work already performed. Should be stored in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent matrix flaking; display in a custom shadow box with UV-filtered glass.
Notable Features
Features a deep 'preparation trough' (ventral relief) around the skeleton to enhance visual contrast. The articulation of the fine tail vertebrae and the preservation of the small digits are exceptionally clear.