In Depth Aletrimyti is a genus of lepospondyl amphibian that lived in United States during the early Permian. Further Reading - Micro-CT Study of Rhynchonkos stovalli (Lepospondyli, Recumbirostra), with Description of Two New Genera. - PLoS ONE 10 (6): e0127307. - M. Szostakiwskyj, J. D. Pardo & J. S. Anderson - 2015.
In Depth Douzhanopterus is a genus of pterosaur that lived in China during the late Jurassic. Douzhanopterus is a pterodactyliforme pterosaur and what this means is that the genus shows a transition from more primitive rhamphorhynchid pterosaurs of the early Jurassic to the more advanced pterodactyloid pterosaurs of the late Jurassic and Cretaceous. Further Reading … Read more
In Depth Argentinadraco is a genus of azdarchid pterosaur that lived in South America during the late Cretaceous. At the time of its description, Argentinadraco is only known from the frontal half of the lower jaws, so it is difficult to ascertain specific details about this pterosaur. Further Reading - New azhdarchoid pterosaur (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) … Read more
In Depth An otherwise unassuming little reptilomorph, the presence of Tseajaia in the earlier half of the Permian period is at least proof that some reptilomorphs made it this far in Earth’s history. The teeth of Tseajaia are notably blunt which has led to the idea that Tseajaia may have been slightly if not exclusively … Read more
In Depth Although so far known from only a single partial skull, Acristatherium is thought to represent one of the oldest known eutherian mammals. Acristatherium probably spent most of the time hunting for invertebrate prey which could easily be caught and processed by the small but sharp teeth, while trying to stay out of sight … Read more
In Depth Not much is known about Oedaleops other than it was similar to Eothyris, another synapsid that is only known from its skull. Oedaleops has slightly larger canine teeth that are thought to have been of use in capturing small prey like insects. Further Reading – Oedaleops campi (Reptilia: Pelycosauria) New Genus and Species … Read more
In Depth Laccotriton was a genus of salamander that lived in China during the late Jurassic. Laccotriton does show a resemblance to the genus Sinerpeton. Further Reading - First Report of a Mesozoic Urodele from China. - Chinese Geology, v. 1, p. 247-248. - K. Q. Gao, Z, W, Cheng & X. Xu - 1998. … Read more
In Depth Alierasaurus is a genus of caseid synapsid that lived in Sardinia during the Permian. Because Alierasaurus is only known from partial remains it is difficult to be certain about its full body size. However, these remains seem to be close to comparable in size to the huge Cotylorhynchus, one of the largest land … Read more
In Depth Anthracosaurus is believed to have been a member of the Embolomeri, a sub group of the reptilomorphs. So far only elements of the skull are known, but if Anthracosaurus had a body similar in form to it relatives like Archeria, then the body and tail would have been long and slender and up … Read more
In Depth Often known in the media as either ‘Dog Croc’ or ‘Rat Croc’, Araripesuchus is one of the better known terrestrial crocodiles. Study of the dentition reveals that Araripesuchus may have been a generalist hunter. This is indicated by sharp conical teeth towards the front of the mouth, with more rounded sturdier teeth towards … Read more