Bothremys

Bothremys is an extinct genus of freshwater turtle belonging to the family Podocnemididae, a group commonly known as side-necked turtles. Fossils of Bothremys have been found in North and South America, primarily dating to the Late Cretaceous and Paleocene epochs. These turtles were characterized by their relatively small size and a distinctive shell structure. The genus name, Bothremys, derives from Greek words meaning "hollow" and "bone," likely referring to features of their skull or shell.

Like other side-necked turtles, Bothremys would have retracted their heads by bending their necks sideways, tucking their heads beneath the edge of their carapace. Their diet likely consisted of aquatic vegetation, small invertebrates, and possibly fish, based on comparisons with living relatives and analysis of fossilized remains. The discovery of Bothremys fossils has provided valuable insights into the evolutionary history and paleobiogeography of freshwater turtles during the Mesozoic and early Cenozoic eras. Several species have been described within the genus, each with subtle variations in morphology. The fossil record indicates that Bothremys inhabited a variety of freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, and swamps.