A new large capitosaurid temnospondyl amphibian from the early triassic of Poland

Abstract

The Early Triassic record of the large capitosaurid 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 capitosaurid shows an "intermediate" morphology between that of Parotosuchus helgolandicus from the Volpriehausen-Detfurth Formation (Smithian, Early Olenekian) of Germany and the slightly younger Parotosuchus 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 Parotosuchus ptaszynskii sp. nov. indicates that this was one of the largest tetrapod of the Early Triassic. Its prominent anatomical features include a triangular retro articular process and an elongated base of the hamate process. Copyright © 2012.