Skull, mandible, and hyoid of Shinisaurus crocodilurus Ahl (Squamata, Anguimorpha)

Abstract

Shinisaurus crocodilurus Ahl is an endangered lizard of uncertain phylogenetic affinities with a very restricted geographic distribution within southern China and northern Vietnam. Available cranial descriptions are brief and based on incomplete or immature specimens. Consequently, the cranial structure of this important species remains poorly documented. This paper provides a detailed redescription based on several well-preserved adult and subadult skeletons. Description of individual bones corrects errors in previous studies. Comparisons with extant and fossil anguimorphs, especially Xenosaurus, allow a new diagnosis of cranial autapomorphies for Shinisaurus. The significance of Shinisaurus for anguimorph interrelationships is discussed briefly. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London.