Fauna of the Vale and Choza : Captorhinomorpha

Abstract

The presence of captorhinomorph reptiles in the Vale and Choza formations has been noted in my earlier papers (Olson, 1948, 1951a, and 1951b). One new genus and species, Captorhinoides valensis, was described previously (Olson, 1951b). Additions to the collections made during the last several years and preparation of specimens collected earlier now provide a basis for a more adequate analysis of the suborder in post-Arroyo Clear Fork beds of Texas. The specimens unfortunately are largely fragmentary, the best being only partial skeletons, but most skeletal parts now can be assigned to recognized species. The descriptions and discussion that follow touch upon all genera and species of Vale and Choza captorhinomorphs now known, including both new materials and those mentioned in earlier papers. CLASS REPTILIA Subclass Eureptilia Infraclass Captorhina Order Captorhina Family Captorhinidae Captorhinus aguti Cope This species of Captorhinus has been known heretofore from the Admiral and Belle Plains formations of the Wichita group and the Clyde and Arroyo formations of the Clear Fork group, all of the early Permian of Texas. It is relatively abundant in the Belle Plains and Arroyo formations. In addition, a great many specimens have been obtained by various parties from fissure fills at Richard's Spur, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma deposits appear to be Arroyo in age.