New information on the anatomy and systematics of the Spanish Lower Cretaceous Camerochelys vilanovai (Testudines, Pan-Cryptodira)

Abstract

Purpose: Camerochelys vilanovai is a Spanish Lower Cretaceous pan-cryptodiran turtle. Although it was defined by several specimens, the fragmentary state of these plates and partial shells only provided poor information about the anatomy and systematics of this taxon. Methods: new specimen of C. vilanovai, from the type area and horizon (the Enciso Group, in La Rioja), is presented and analyzed here. It corresponds to a relatively complete and articulated shell. Results: Several characters hitherto unknown for C. vilanovai are described. In addition, some characters previously considered in the diagnosis of this form are reinterpreted, and the known range of intraspecific variability is expanded. Therefore, the diagnosis of C. vilanovai is amended. Conclusion: Camerochelys vilanovai is recognized as a taxon closely related to the European members of Xinjiangchelyidae (i.e. Brodiechelys brodiei, Brodiechelys royoi and Larachelus morla), the new character states recognized here being compared with those present in these taxa.