The pes of Erythrosuchus africanus Broom

Abstract

The pes and ankle of the proterosuchian thecodont Erythrosuchus africanus Broom are described in detail and it is shown that the ankle in particular is of an advanced type, derived from an Euparkeria‐like ancestor and not capable itself of giving rise to any other. Erythrosuchus was probably tending towards digitigrady in its hind feet. Erythrosuchus and Euparkeria can be placed in different families within the Proterosuchia and because of their advanced morphology are probably very late Lower Triassic proterosuchians. Copyright © 1978, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved