The Lapworth Museum of Geology dates back to 1880, and is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK. Throughout its long history the Lapworth Museum has provided a valuable resource for students, schools and colleges, research workers, enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in, or desire to learn, about geology.
The museum is open to the public and provides for school, college, adult education and community groups.
Harpactoxanthopsis quadrilobatus
Fossil Crab
Eocene
Berico Region, Italy
Exceptionally preserved and un-distorted fossil crabs of this quality occur in a mountainous region near Verona, Italy. This example displays the carapace, claws and some of the outer mouthparts are also preserved intact.
Harpactoxanthopsis preferred offshore habitats in clear water, marine, shelf environments, below fair-weather wave base. This crab was actively mobile moving sideways, and characteristically had fewer than four spines extending from its sides and four frontal spines used as a defence against predators. Harpactoxanthopsis was a carnivore using its large claws to crush prey such as mussels (bivalves) and gastropods.
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The Lapworth Museum of Geology is supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council
