Laureloceras

Laureloceras is an extinct genus of ammonite cephalopods belonging to the family Hildoceratidae. These ammonites lived during the Early Jurassic period, specifically the Toarcian stage (approximately 183 to 174 million years ago).

Laureloceras, like other hildoceratids, is characterized by a compressed, evolute shell with a keel and sickle-shaped ribs that sweep forward from the umbilical margin. The suture pattern is relatively complex, indicative of a more advanced ammonite. The genus is distinguished from other similar genera by specific details of the ribbing pattern, keel structure, and suture line details.

Fossils of Laureloceras are found in Europe, including locations in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. They serve as important index fossils for dating Toarcian-age rock formations, assisting in biostratigraphic correlations and understanding the geological history of the Jurassic period. The study of Laureloceras contributes to a broader understanding of ammonite evolution and paleobiogeography.