Ecphora Fossil

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Ecphora gardnerae is a now-extinct species of formidable predatory ocenebrinid murex gastropod that once ruled the ancient seas. The remnants of E. gardnerae's shells are discovered in Maryland and Virginia's Miocene-aged marine strata, a testament to its former dominance. By October 1, 1994, the Ecphora was proudly designated as the official fossil shell of Maryland by the state's General Assembly. The Miocene era, specifically from Calvert County, Maryland's St. Marys formation, offers a glimpse into the past with its estimated age of around 5.3 to 23.7 million years old. The Natural History Society of Maryland has generously granted permission for this model to be downloadable for non-commercial educational purposes, allowing students and researchers to explore and learn from the ancient secrets hidden within.