Oryctorhynchus

O-rik-to-rin-kus.
Published on

Cassidy Wood

Paleoentomologist

Cassidy Wood uncovers the tiny yet significant world of prehistoric insects. Her research on amber-preserved specimens has revealed intricate details about ancient ecosystems.

Cite Feedback Print

Name

Oryctorhynchus ‭(‬burrow snout‭)‬.

Phonetic

O-rik-to-rin-kus.

Named By

Hans-Dieter Sues,‭ ‬Adam J.‭ ‬Fitch‭ & ‬Robin L.‭ ‬Whatley‭ ‬-‭ ‬2020.

Classification

Chordata,‭ ‬Reptilia,‭ ‬Rhynchosauria,‭ ‬Rhynchosauridae,‭ ‬Hyperodapedontinae.

Diet

Herbivore.

Species

O.bairdi‭

Size

Unknown.

Known locations

Canada,‭ ‬Nova Scotia‭ ‬-‭ ‬Wolfville Formation.

Time Period

Carnian/Norian of the Triassic.

Fossil representation

Partial skull and mandible.

In Depth

       Oryctorhynchus is a genus of rhynchosaur that lived in North America during the late Triassic.‭ ‬Oryctorhynchus would have fed upon low growing plants.

Further reading

-‭ ‬A new rhynchosaur‭ (‬Reptilia,‭ ‬Archosauromorpha‭) ‬from the Upper Triassic of eastern North America.‭ ‬-‭ ‬Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.‭ ‬-‭ ‬Hans-Dieter Sues,‭ ‬Adam J.‭ ‬Fitch‭ & ‬Robin L.‭ ‬Whatley‭ ‬-‭ ‬2020.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT