A new species of the genus Besania Brough 1939 from the Middle Triassic of Canton Grisons (Switzerland) with a discussion of the phylogenetic status of the taxon

Abstract

Recent excavations in the Middle Triassic Prosanto Formation (Ladinian, Ct. Grisons, Switzerland) have produced new material of the genus Besania Brough 1939. These specimens show many previously unrecorded details. Some features differ from those of the type species Besania micrognathus, and we therefore erect a new species, Besania schaufelbergeri sp. nov. This new material has prompted a re-evaluation of the phylogenetic interrelationships of the genus. The taxon seems to be closely related to basal Halecostomi.