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"Only now do we know the true story- Megarachne was a giant prehistoric sea scorpion." |
Colossochelys was the largest tortoise ever to walk the Earth. Ultra-slow, this creature's only defense was its humongous shell. Colossochelys shell was thick and strong, and as big as a small car. When it sensed danger, this tortoise pulled its legs and head inside and kept out curious predators. Colossochelys is the great-grandfather of the modern tortoise.
Shell Shocked: This creature's gigantic shell was made of two pieces. The top half (carapace) attached to the ribs, and the lower half (plastron) extended from the tortoise's collarbones. Together, they completely enclosed the creature's soft body.
Leggy: Massive, elephant-like legs helped colossochelys support its bulky backpack. Soft pads on the bottom of each foot distributed the creature's weight evenly.
A Bigger, Better Shell[]
The largest tortoise alive today, the Galapagos, weighs less than half as much as colossochelys.
About 215 million years ago, when dinosaurs were stomping through the Triassic Period, the first known tortoises, called proganochelys, appeared on Earth. These early tortoises couldn't retreat into their shells, so they were easy prey. Some tortoises developed larger shells in which they could completely shut out predators, and those members of the species survived. Branches from this family tree eventually led to colossochelys and continued on to all the tortoises known today.
Home in the Hills: Most colossochelys fossils have been found at the foot of the Himalayan mountains in India. This area is still full of the kind of plant life that helped keep the tortoise well fed millions of years ago.
Slow Lane: Because of its heavy armor, colossochelys was slow. Even during its active daytime hours, the tortoise didn't move much. This low-energy lifestyle probably gave the creature a lifespan of 200 years or more.
Tough Break[]
- A saber-toothed cat creeps up on a colossochelys as the tortoise is quietly feeding on some leaves.
- Colossochelys hears the cat and draws its head and legs into the safety of its huge shell. The persistent predator searches around the shell for exposed flesh.
- Unable to find a way in or bite through the tough skin of the tortoise's feet, the cat grooms itself. Colossochelys will stay inside until the predator goes away.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- Colossochelys is no longer a valid genus; it is now considered Megalochelys.
- The colossochelys is featured in Man & Beast on Monster Mania 40.