On the alleged presence of Halisaurus (Squamata, Mosasauridae) in the latest Cretaceous of the Maastrichtian type area

Abstract

The presence of Halisaurus (Squamata, Mosasauridae) in the uppermost Cretaceous of the Maastrichtian type area, suggested by Lingham-Soliar (1996) on the strength of two partial vertebrae, is questioned. The anatomy of these elements suggests that they pertain not to Halisaurus, but more probably to Plioplatecarpus marshi Dollo, 1882.