A new species of Paleorhinus from the Triassic of Texas

Abstract

Paleorhinus scurriensis n. sp. A new species of paleorhinid phytosaurs, Paleorhinus scur- riensis, from the basal Dockum of Scurry County, Texas, is described. The lateral position of the quadrate foramen first reported in P. bransoni, is corroborated and is considered characteristic of the genus, The otic open- ing is present as a deep notch rather than as a completely bounded fora- men as described in P. bransoni, and there is therefore more reason to suspect misinterpretation of this region in the genotype. A further instance of the presence of a probable persistent parietal foramen in an immature phytosaur is noted. Youthful characters in the genus are discussed and the species is compared with other phytosaurs. Observations are offered on the geologic significance and provisional limitations are placed upon Dockum-Popo Agie correlation.