A revision of the genus Nothosaurus (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) from the Germanic Triassic, with comments on the status of Conchiosaurus clavatus

Abstract

The systematic revision of the genus Nothosaurus from the Germanic Triassic (Muschelkalk, lower and middle Keuper) results in the recognition of five valid species. These are N. edingerae, N. giganteus, N. juvenilis, N. marchicus, and the genotypical species, N. mirabilis. The holotype of Conchiosaurus clavatus from the base of the middle Muschelkalk is unequivocal evidence of the synonymy of Conchiosaurus with Nothosaurus. Since Conchiosaurus has priority, it must be declared a nomen oblitum to preserve the genus name Nothosaurus. Intrageneric relationships of the species as reconstructed by cladistic analysis match the stratigraphic distribution of the species.