New Capitosaur from the Early Triassic of Poland

Sulej, T., and G. Niedźwiedzki. in press. A new large capitosaur temnospondyl amphibian from the Early Triassic of Poland. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica available online 09 Sep 2011 doi:10.4202/app.2011.0025

 

Abstract - The Early Triassic record of the large capitosaur amphibian genus Parotosuchus is supplemented by new material from fluvial deposits of Wióry, southern Poland, corresponding in age to the Detfurth Formation (Spathian; late Olenekian) of the Germanic Basin. The skull of the new capitosaur shows an “intermediate” morphology between that of Parotosuchus helgolandicus from the Volpriehausen - Detfurth Formation (Smithian; early Olenekian) of Germany and the slightly younger P. orenburgensis from European Russia. These three species may represent an evolutionary lineage that underwent a progressive shifting of the jaw articulation anteriorly. The morphology of the Polish form is distinct enough from other species of Parotosuchus to warrant erection of a new species. The very large mandible of [new taxon name removed until formal publication] indicates that this was one of the largest tetrapods of the Early Triassic. Its prominent anatomical features include a triangular retroarticular process and an elongated base of the hamate process.