[Paleontology • 2026] Hintighernia edingerae • A tapejarid Pterosaur from the Cambridge Greensand (Cretaceous of England), with comments on its Neuroanatomy and the Biogeography of the Group

Hintighernia edingerae

Pêgas, Bandeira, Naish & Holgado, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag162 

  x.com/TetZoo

Artwork by Matheus Gadelha.

Abstract

A reassessment of azhdarchoid pterosaur material from the Cretaceous Cambridge Greensand Member of the West Melbury Marly Chalk Formation of Great Britain is presented. The partial cranium CAMSM B54406, often referred to Ornithostoma sedgwicki, is here identified as a sinopterine tapejarid. Diagnostic traits, including the shape of the upper temporal fenestra margins and a robust, elongate supraoccipital median ridge, lead us to diagnose a new taxon, which we name Hintighernia edingerae gen. et sp. nov. Micro-CT scanning of CAMSM B54406 reveals a neuroanatomy closely resembling that of Tapejara wellnhoferi. Some additional remains from the Cambridge Greensand Member can also be referred to Tapejaridae, and we tentatively refer an isolated fragment of rostrum to cf. Hintighernia. In turn, Ornithostoma sedgwicki is regarded as a chaoyangopterid azhdarchoid, and its hypodigm is restricted to four jaw fragments. The existence of at least a third azhdarchoid species (a non-azhdarchid concilazhian) in the Cambridge Greensand is suggested based on both jaw and cervical remains. We also provide new insights regarding the biogeography of tapejarid pterosaurs. Europe appears to have been an early hotspot of phylogenetic diversity for this group and a potential point of origin for the sinopterines of Eastern Laurasia and tapejarines of South America.

Azhdarchoidea, systematics, Cambridge Greensand Member, Cretaceous

Pterosauria Burmeister, 1837

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901

Azhdarchoidea Unwin, 1995

Tapejaridae Kellner, 1989

Sinopterinae Lü et al., 2016

Hintighernia gen. nov.

Hintighernia edingerae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic epithet is a combination of hɨnt and tɨɣern, which are the reconstructed Proto-Brittonic words for ‘path’ and ‘lord’, respectively, with the intended meaning of ‘lord of the paths’. This is in reference to the name Tapejara, which shares the same meaning in Ancient Tupi. The intended pronunciation in International Phonetic Alphabet is [hɨn‧tɨ‧ɣern‧i‧a]. The specific epithet honours palaeontologist Johanna Ottilie ‘Tilly’ Edinger (1897–1967), founder of modern palaeoneurology. Edinger was responsible for impor- tant advances in pterosaur palaeoneurology, including the description of a pterodactyloid endocast from the Cambridge Greensand (Edinger 1927), similar to that of CAMSM B54406.

Hintighernia edingerae holotype (CAMSM B54406).
 Left lateral view: A, photograph; and B, reconstructed 3D model. Posterior view: C, photograph; and D, reconstructed 3D model. Posterodorsal view: E, photograph; and F, reconstructed 3D model.

Abbreviations: add.r, adductor ridge; f, frontal; fm, foramen magnum; fpc, frontoparietal crest; or, orbit; p, parietal; pmcv, posterior middle cerebral vein foramen; soc.r, supraoccipital ridge; utf.pm, upper temporal fenestra posterior margin. Scale bar: 20 mm.

Virtually reconstructed braincase endocast of CAMSM B54406.
Views: A, anterior; B, posterior; C, left lateral; D, ventral, E, dorsal; F, right lateral.

Abbreviations: Cer, cerebrum; Cbl, cerebellum; Flo, flocculus; Op, optic lobe; Mat, matrix; Med, medulla; PoC, posterior semicircular canal. Scale bar: 20 mm.

Life restoration of Hintighernia edingerae, with schematic reconstruction of its skull and encephalon.

Artwork by Matheus Gadelha.

 

Rubi V Pêgas, Kamila L N Bandeira, Darren Naish and Borja Holgado. 2026. A tapejarid Pterosaur from the Cambridge Greensand (Cretaceous of England), with comments on its neuroanatomy and the biogeography of the group. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 208(3); zlag162, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag162 [01 November 2026] 

  x.com/TetZoo/status/2117179164037976309

[Paleontology • 2026] Cranial Anatomy of the Middle Eocene Egyptian crocodylian Herugavialis cairensis provides Nnew Insights into gavialoid diversity in the Mediterranean Region

 

Life reconstruction of Herugavialis cairensis depicted with The Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza in the background. 

Herugavialis gen. nov.
Herugavialis cairensis n. comb. (Müller, 1927)

in Burke, Spiekman, Salem, Saber, Sallam et Mannion, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261173

Artwork by Karim Zanaty.

Abstract

Gavialoidea is presently composed of only two extant crocodylian species, the Indian gharial Gavialis gangeticus, and the false gharial Tomistoma schlegelii, both from southeast Asia. However, Gavialoidea displays a rich and near-cosmopolitan diversity in the fossil record, with over 40 species currently recognized. Several of these gavialoids are recovered from Cenozoic deposits in the Mediterranean region, with many assigned historically to the genus Tomistoma. However, recent phylogenetic analyses do not typically recover these species as closely related to the false gharial, with several fossil species in need of taxonomic revision. Here, we present a detailed re-evaluation of one of these species, Tomistoma cairense from the Middle Eocene Mokattam Formation of Egypt, based on the holotype skull and several referred specimens. Supplemented by endocranial anatomy revealed via computed tomography (CT), we identify numerous anatomical differences with T. schlegelii and other gavialoids, including the approximately contemporaneous Egyptian species, Eogavialis africanum and Paratomistoma courti. These differences are reinforced through phylogenetic analysis under maximum parsimony, in which T. cairense is recovered as a gavialoid that does not cluster with T. schlegelii or Mediterranean taxa. We erect a new genus name for T. cairense, with the resultant new combination of Herugavialis cairensis diagnosed by several characteristics, including telescoped orbits. An apparent decline in Mediterranean gavialoid diversity during the Late Eocene–Oligocene is potentially driven by a reduction in habitat, as a result of global cooling and declining eustatic sea level. Warming in the Miocene might have facilitated a subsequent rebound in gavialoid diversity, prior to the extirpation of crocodylians in the Mediterranean region in the Late Miocene, which might have been caused by the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The taxonomic revision of additional Mediterranean gavialoid species should facilitate greater insight into their evolutionary history and demise.

Keywords: Gavialoidea, Mediterranean, Crocodylia, Tomistoma, neuroanatomy, phylogeny

Eusuchia Huxley, 1875

Crocodylia Gmelin, 1788

Gavialoidea Hay, 1930

Herugavialis gen. nov.,

 

Herugavialis cairensis n. comb. Müller, 1927 

Tomistoma cairense (Müller, 1927).

Etymology: Heru, after the Egyptian god (also known as Horus), is often associated with, and possibly the inspiration for, the Great Sphinx of Giza. The latter was sculpted from the Mokattam Formation, from which the type specimen of H. cairensis was recovered, with both sharing the absence of the anterior tip of their nose/snout. The genus suffix, -gavialis, reflects the relationship of H. cairensis to Gavialis gangeticus within Gavialoidea. Accordingly, the original species epithet, cairense, is modified to cairensis to agree with the masculine gender of Herugavialis.

  

Locality and horizon: The holotype and referred specimens were collected from Gebel Mokattam, east of Cairo, in northeastern Egypt. They were recovered from the Mokattam Formation, which is a nummulitic marine limestone dated to the Lutetian, Middle Eocene.

 Diagnosis: Within Gavialoidea, H. cairensis is characterized by a unique combination of characters: (i) lacrimal with an anteroposterior length more than twice that of the prefrontal; (ii) telescoped orbit formed by raised margins of the lacrimal, prefrontal and frontal; (iii) a squamosal wherein the dorsal and ventral margins do not diverge anteriorly; (iv) the distance between the distal tip of the paraoccipital process and the distal end of the quadrate condyle is greater than the maximum mediolateral width of the latter; and (v) a blunt dural peak on the encephalic endocast.

Life reconstruction of Herugavialis cairensis in left lateral view. Herugavialis is depicted with The Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza in the background.

 Artwork by Karim Zanaty.

 

 Conclusions: 

The redescription of the holotype and referred specimens of the Middle Eocene crocodylian species ‘Tomistoma’ cairense demonstrates numerous morphological differences from extant T. schlegelii. Coupled with the recognition of several autapomorphies, as well as its phylogenetic separation from T. schlegelii, we erect the new genus, Herugavialis cairensis. Herugavialis can be differentiated from approximately contemporaneous Egyptian gavialoids by numerous anatomical features, exemplifying the diversity of gavialoids in the Mediterranean region during this period. Global cooling and a drop in eustatic sea level during the Late Eocene–Oligocene potentially limited suitable habitat for gavialoids in the Mediterranean region, with subsequent increases in eustatic sea level and temperature potentially facilitating the return to high gavialoid diversity observed in the Miocene. The taxonomic classification of some of these European species awaits re-evaluation, which will facilitate greater insight into the evolutionary history of the Mediterranean gavialoids.

Paul M. J. Burke; Stephan N. F. Spiekman; Belal S. Salem; Sara Saber; Hesham M. Sallam and Philip D. Mannion. 2026. Cranial Anatomy of the Middle Eocene Egyptian crocodylian Herugavialis cairensis provides Nnew Insights into gavialoid diversity in the Mediterranean Region. R. Soc. Open Sci 13 (10): 261173. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261173 [07 Oct 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Westlothiana lizziae • Evolution of Terrestrial Anatomy revealed by A derived Stem Tetrapod

 

Westlothiana lizziae  Smithson & Rolfe, 1990

in Igielman, Jenkins, Head, ... et Benson, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11090-6 

Abstract

Tetrapods (limbed vertebrates) include lissamphibians and amniotes, and now comprise half of all vertebrate species, with particular importance on land. Limbs first appeared in stem tetrapods by the Late Devonian, 365 million years ago. However, many taxa either have limbs with fin-like functional anatomy or have secondarily lost them, raising questions about the ecological context and early evolution of the tetrapod limb6. Here we provide considerable new data on the enigmatic Early Carboniferous Westlothiana lizziae, widely cited as the earliest terrestrially adapted stem amniote7,8. We find unexpected plesiomorphies of the skull roof, palate, braincase and mandible, alongside aquatic adaptations, including an ossified internal gill skeleton and extensive denticles on the palate and mandible. These traits return Westlothiana as a stem tetrapod in our phylogenetic analyses, demonstrating that terrestrial adaptations such as an amniote-like pedal formula, loss of fin-like forelimb function and superficially claw-like terminal phalanges evolved in a mosaic fashion, and that these traits evolved in a transitional, amphibious context before the origin of the tetrapod crown group. Our findings reinforce recent suggestions of a taxonomically inclusive tetrapod-stem lineage, but also illuminate substantial gaps in anatomical knowledge, especially for small-bodied taxa, that obstruct our understanding of early tetrapod evolution.

 

Ben Igielman, Xavier Jenkins, Jason Head, Vincent Fernandez, Lucy Roberts, Timothy Smithson and Roger Benson. 2026. Evolution of Terrestrial Anatomy revealed by A derived Stem Tetrapod. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11090-6 [30 September 2026]

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Jeanerpeton mazonensis • A New, exceptionally preserved, late Carboniferous amphibamiform from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois, USA

 

Jeanerpeton mazonensis

Sefcovic, Kohlberg, So & Mann, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2698799 

 

ABSTRACT

The Mazon Creek fossil assemblage has provided the earliest fossil records of several important early tetrapod lineages, including the oldest dissorophoid temnospondyl, Amphibamus grandiceps. Recent systematic efforts have unveiled exceptional diversity of recumbirostran tetrapods at Mazon Creek; however, similar attention has not been paid to the numerous temnospondyl fossils from the site. Here, we provide an anatomical and systematic revision to a uniquely preserved amphibamiform from Mazon Creek, FMNH PR 558, that was previously reported to have the earliest body fossil evidence of lissamphibian-like toe pads in temnospondyls. Restudy of this fossil, with particular attention devoted to the dorsal and lateral skull and the axial skeleton has revealed distinct differences from coeval and other Permo-Carboniferous amphibamiforms, allowing for the designation of the new taxon Jeanerpeton mazonensis, gen. et sp. nov. Based on preliminary observations of varying presacral vertebral counts among Mazon Creek amphibamiform fossils there is more diversity of this group from the Moscovian amongst known material than previously recognized.

Jeanerpeton mazonensis, gen. et sp. nov.

 

Allison J. Sefcovic, Payton J. Kohlberg, Calvin So and Arjan Mann. 2026. Jeanerpeton mazonensis, gen. et sp. nov.: A New, exceptionally preserved, late Carboniferous amphibamiform from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2698799. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2698799  [24 Sep 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Allium erimomeli (Amaryllidaceae) • A New hexaploid Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece)

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, 

in  Nikolopoulos, Tan, Kobrlová, Adamakis, Bareka, Duchoslav et Trigas, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Allium exhibits extensive diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, where insular endemism and polyploidy have played a significant role in species evolution. During taxonomic and biosystematic studies of A. sect. Codonoprasum, an undescribed species was discovered on the volcanic islands of Milos and Antimilos (Kiklades, Greece). This study aims to determine its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships using an integrative approach.

Material and methods – The new species was investigated using comparative morphology, leaf anatomy, karyological analyses, genome size estimation by flow cytometry, and phylogenetic reconstruction based on nrITS sequence data. These data were compared with those of closely related species, particularly A. occultum, as well as other representatives of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Key results – Allium erimomeli is described here as a new species. Karyological and flow cytometric analyses revealed a hexaploid chromosome complement (2n = 6x = 48) with a mean genome size of 46.2 pg. Phylogenetic reconstruction recovered the species as a strongly supported clade sister to the tetraploid A. occultum. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the two taxa differ in ploidy level, genome size, and diagnostic morphological characters, primarily relating to the bulb, leaves, and ovary. Additional differentiation is supported by leaf anatomy. Morphological characters were also compared with those of A. sibthorpianum and A. rumelicum.

Conclusion – The recognition of A. erimomeli as a distinct species emphasizes the significance of polyploidy and insular isolation in the diversification of A. sect. Codonoprasum in the Aegean region. These findings further enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the section and call for expanded phylogenetic and cytogenetic sampling across the eastern Mediterranean region.

Keywords: genome size, Greek flora, karyology, leaf anatomy, nuclear ITS, polyploidy, vascular plants

Allium erimomeli.
A. Individual at the onset of flowering in its natural habitat. B. Inflorescence, lateral view. C. Inflorescence, view from below. D. Flowers. E. Outer tepal (left) and inner tepal (right). F. Individual during the vegetative phase, with visible leaf sheaths and blades. G.Leaf blade. H. Bulb with multi-layered tunics. I. Bulb bearing shortly stalked bulblets at its base. J. Ovary.

Photos by Panayiotis Trigas (A, F, G) and Iasonas Nikolopoulos (B–E, H, I, J).

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Allium erimomeli is closely related to A. occultum but differs in the colour of inner bulb tunics (whitish, rarely tinged with purple vs purple), leaves (4–6, semicylindrical, 0.8–1.5 mm wide vs 2–4, subcylindrical to terete, 0.3–0.8 mm wide), length of pedicels (9–12 mm long, 1.5–2.5× the length of the perigon vs 3–7 mm long, 0.7–1.5× the length of the perigon), ovary (green, ± smooth, 3-lobed vs whitish, yellowish orange at the apex, papillose, 6-lobed), and ploidy level (hexaploid vs tetraploid).

Etymology: The specific epithet is the genitive of the geographical noun “Erimomilos/Erimomelos”, a local/alternative name for Antimilos Island, where the species occurs and from where the type material was collected. The island’s name is derived from the Greek elements erimos (ἔρημος, “desert”) and Melos (the island of Milos), thus referring to Antimilos as the “deserted Milos”.

 Iasonas Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Lucie Kobrlová, Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis, Pepy Bareka, Martin Duchoslav and Panayiotis Trigas. 2026. Allium erimomeli, A New hexaploid Species of A. sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(3): 470-482. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916 [21 Aug 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Fansipanica milae, Vinatachea porcellana, ... • New taxa of Camaenidae (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) from northern Vietnam

Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov,

   

in Páll-Gergely, Gojšina et Dedov, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.185160

 

Abstract

The following new taxa are described from northern Vietnam: Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov, gen et sp. nov., Ducanhia Páll-Gergely, gen. nov. (type species: Helix balansai Morlet, 1886), Vinatachea porcellana Páll-Gergely, sp. nov. The reproductive anatomy of all three species is described. Helix (Chloritis) gereti Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900 is moved to Fansipanica gen nov., and Camaena delsaerdti Thach & F. Huber, 2018 is moved to Vinatachea.

Key words: Anatomy, Fansipan Mountains, new species, systematics, taxonomy

Fansipanica milae gen. et sp. nov. 
A–C. Living specimen, D. Habitat. 

 

Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov, gen et sp. nov., 

Ducanhia Páll-Gergely, gen. nov. 

(type species: Helix balansai Morlet, 1886), 

Vinatachea porcellana Páll-Gergely, sp. nov. 

Barna Páll-Gergely, Vukašin Gojšina and Ivailo Dedov. 2026. New taxa of Camaenidae from northern Vietnam (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora). ZooKeys. 1280: 365-392. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.185160 [28 May 2026]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] The Oldest Shark Face—Anatomy of the Devonian elasmobranch Phoebodus

Phoebodus saidselachus Frey, Coates, Ginter, Hairapetian, Rücklin, Jerjen & Klug, 2019

in Klug, Greif, Pohle, Ginter, Coates, Haouz, Lagnaoui, Pople et Frey, 2026. 

www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012902025.html 

Phoebodus was recognized as the earliest elasmobranch known from articulated remains, a group which constitutes most modern cartilaginous fish comprising sharks, skates and rays. Its elongate body, the presence of two dorsal fins with fin spines, and the elongate head had already been described. Based on spectacularly well-preserved fossils, we add new anatomical information on its exact body proportions, the paired and caudal fins, the dermal denticles, the skull morphology, the endocast, and the gill skeleton. These new skeletons from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) of Morocco (c. 367 Ma) permit a much-improved reconstruction of the anatomy of Phoebodus. The new materials comprise the oldest elasmobranch specimens preserving the complete head in three dimensions. Additionally, the new materials yield information about growth and diet and thus position in the trophic network. Despite the newly coded characters, the phylogenetic position of the genus Phoebodus with the oldest teeth dating to the early Givetian remains that of the oldest stem-elasmobranch in the Bayesian analyses.

Key words: Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii, Famennian, ontogeny, exceptional preservation, Fossillagerstätten

Phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. A. PIMUZ A/I 5751, prep. T. Imhof, largest individual, nearly complete. B. PIMUZ A/I 5752, prep. T. Imhof, second largest individual, only caudal region missing; for details of the skull see Fig. 2. C. PIMUZ A/I 5753, prep. M. Greif, anterior half, excellent integument, fins and brachial region. D. PIMUZ A/I 5754, prep. R. Roth, two superimposed chondrichthyans; the skull in the middle is Maghriboselache mohamezanei with further remains; the straight, complete skeleton belongs to Phoebodus; the latter preserves the caudal fin. E. PIMUZ A/I 4712, holotype, smallest skeleton, nearly complete, modified after Frey et al. (2019a).

Skeletal reconstruction of the phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. A. PIMUZ A/I 5754, caudalis. B, C. PIMUZ A/I 4712, posterior and anterior dorsal fins. D. PIMUZ A/I 5752, anterior dorsal fin. E. PIMUZ A/I 5751, caudalis. F, G. PIMUZ A/I 5753, pectoral fin and branchial basket. H. PIMUZ A/I 5752, head. The photos are not to scale. The scale refers only to the drawing.

Systematic palaeontology 

Chondrichthyes Huxley, 1880 

Elasmobranchii Bonaparte, 1838 

Phoebodontiformes Ginter et al., 2010 

Genus Phoebodus St. John & Worthen, 1875

Reconstructions of an adult female and juvenile male of the phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. We incorporated the new anatomical details particularly in the proportions and the fin shapes. The juvenile is reconstructed after the holotype.

  

Christian Klug, Merle Greif, Alexander Pohle, Michał Ginter, Michael I. Coates, Wahiba Bel Haouz, Abdelouahed Lagnaoui, Jonathan Pople, and Linda Frey. 2026. The Oldest Shark Face—Anatomy of the Devonian elasmobranch Phoebodus. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 71 (2), 2026: 399-430 DOI:10.4202/app.01290.2025  https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012902025.html

Linda Frey, Michael Coates, Michał Ginter, Vachik Hairapetian, Martin Rücklin, Iwan Jerjen, Christian Klug. 2019. The early elasmobranch Phoebodus: phylogenetic relationships, ecomorphology and a new time-scale for shark evolution. Proc Biol Sci. 286 (1912): 20191336. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1336

[Paleontology • 2024] Cranial Osteology and Paleoneurology of Tarjadia ruthae: An erpetosuchid pseudosuchian from the Triassic Chañares Formation (late Ladinian-?early Carnian) of Argentina

 

Tarjadia ruthae Arcucci & Marsicano, 1998
 

in Desojo, von Baczko, Ezcurra, Fiorelli, Martinelli, ... et Lacerda, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25382 

Reconstruction: Jorge Blanco

 x.com/AnatRecord

 

Abstract

Tarjadia ruthae is a quadrupedal terrestrial pseudosuchian from the Middle-early Upper Triassic of the Chañares Formation, La Rioja Province, Argentina. Originally, this species was identified as an indeterminate archosaur and later as a doswelliid archosauriform based on very fragmentary specimens characterized by the ornamentation of the skull roof and osteoderms. Additional specimens (including skulls and postcrania) recovered in the last decade show that Tarjadia is an erpetosuchid, an enigmatic pseudosuchian group composed of six species registered in Middle-Upper Triassic continental units of Tanzania, Germany, Scotland, North America, Brazil, and Argentina. Tarjadia ruthae from Argentina and Parringtonia gracilis from Tanzania are the best preserved and more abundant species. Although the monophyly of Erpetosuchidae is well supported, alternative high-level positions within Archosauria have been suggested, such as sister taxon to Crocodylomorpha, Aetosauria, or Ornithosuchidae. In order to improve the knowledge about the erpetosuchids, we performed a detailed description and paleoneurological reconstruction of the skull of Tarjadia ruthae, based on two articulated partial skulls (CRILAR-Pv 478 and CRILAR-Pv 495) and other fragmentary specimens. We analyzed the stratigraphic and geographic occurrence of historical and new specimens of Tarjadia and provided a new emended diagnosis (the same for the genus as for the species, due to monotypy) along with a comparative description of the cranial endocast. The skull of Tarjadia is robust, with a thick and strongly ornamented skull roof, triangular in dorsal view, with concave lateral margins at mid-length that form an abrupt widened posterior region. The external nares are the smallest openings of the skull. The antorbital fossa is deeply excavated and has a small heart-shaped fenestra with both lobes pointing anteriorly. The supratemporal fenestrae are as large and rounded as the orbits, and the infratemporal fenestrae are L-shaped with an extensive excavation along the jugal, quadratojugal and quadrate. The hemimandibles are low, slightly concave on the dentigerous region and strongly convex on the posterior region, conferring them a S-shaped profile in dorsal view. The external mandibular fenestra is small and elliptic, being twice longer than high. The maxillary dentition is restricted to the anterior to mid region of the rostrum. Since the braincase of both specimens is partially damaged, the dorsal surface of the brain could not be entirely reconstructed. As a result, the endocast is anteroposteriorly elongated and seemingly flat, and the cephalic flexure seems to be lower than expected for a suchian. The labyrinth is twice wider than high, the semicircular canals are remarkably straight, and the anterior canal is longer than the posterior one.

Keywords: anatomy, Archosauria, Erpetosuchidae, neuroanatomy, skull

Systematic paleontology

Archosauriformes Gauthier et al., 1988.

Archosauria Cope, 1869 sensu Gauthier & Padian, 1985.

Pseudosuchia von Zittel, 1887–1890 sensu Gauthier & Padian, 1985.

Erpetosuchidae Watson, 1917 sensu Nesbitt & Butler, 2013.

Tarjadia ruthae Arcucci & Marsicano, 1998

Life reconstruction of Tarjadia ruthae by Jorge Blanco.

J. B. Desojo, M. B. von Baczko, M. D. Ezcurra, L. E. Fiorelli, A. G. Martinelli, P. Bona, M. J. Trotteyn and M. Lacerda. 2024. Cranial Osteology and Paleoneurology of Tarjadia ruthae: An erpetosuchid pseudosuchian from the Triassic Chañares Formation (late Ladinian-?early Carnian) of Argentina. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25382 [23 January 2024]

 x.com/AnatRecord/status/1751938238858854832

[Paleontology • 2026] New Fossil unveils the Dentary Anatomy of the rare lepidosauromorph Cargninia enigmatica from the Upper Triassic of Southern Brazil

 Cargninia enigmatica Bonaparte, Schultz, Soares & Martinelli, 2010, 

in Damke, Dalle-Laste,  Kerber, Roberto-da-Silva et Müller, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70268

Artwork by Márcio L. Castro.

Abstract

Nowadays, Lepidosauria is a diverse group represented by squamates and the rhynchocephalian tuatara. However, their origins date back to the end of the Permian Period, when the stem lineages Lepidosauromorpha and Archosauromorpha diverged. Within the lepidosauromorph stem lineage, a few species have been described with unstable phylogenetic placements. In Brazilian strata, the only representative of this lineage is the rare species Cargninia enigmatica. The taxon was found in Norian beds (upper portion of the Candelária Sequence) and is known from the posterior end of a dentary and a tentatively referred partial maxilla. Here, we describe a new specimen (CAPPA/UFSM 0519) referred to Cargninia enigmatica, consisting of a partial dentary recovered from the type locality. The specimen provides new anatomical information on the anterior portion of the dentary. In addition, for the first time, the phylogenetic placement of Cargninia enigmatica was investigated in a computational framework, and the results are congruent with previous suggestions that it represents a non-lepidosaur lepidosauromorph. Finally, the new specimen reveals details of the anatomy of the mandibular ramus of the trigeminal nerve, demonstrating that it shares a similar condition with its extant relatives.

Keywords: Caturrita Formation, Gondwana, Lepidosauromorpha, Norian, Pangea

Left dentary of CAPPA/UFSM 0519 in lateral view. (a) Photograph. (b) Interpretative drawing. (c) Detail of the rostralmost preserved teeth. (d) Additional details of the second and third preserved teeth. fo, foramina.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

DIAPSIDA Osborn, 1903

SAURIA Macartney, 1802

LEPIDOSAUROMORPHA Gauthier, 1984 (sensu Gauthier et al., 1988)

Cargninia enigmatica Bonaparte et al., 2010

 Holotype: UFRGS-PV-1027-T, posterior end of a left dentary with five preserved teeth.

 Type locality, age, and horizon: Linha São Luiz site (29°33′45″S, 53°26′48″W), municipality of Faxinal do Soturno, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Candelária Sequence of the Santa Maria Supersequence (Horn et al., 2014; Zerfass et al., 2003). These layers are early Norian in age (225.42 ± 0.37) (Langer et al., 2018).

New referred material: CAPPA/UFSM 0519, partial left dentary with several teeth. The specimen was collected from the type locality.

  Amended diagnosis: In addition to the unique traits of Cargninia enigmatica listed by Bonaparte et al. (2010) and Romo de Vivar et al. (2020), we recognize the following additional features based on the study of CAPPA/UFSM 0519 that distinguish the species from closely related taxa: the symphyseal region is medially recurved and formed by the Meckelian groove, and the presence of foramina restricted to the anterior region of the dentary.

A landscape from the Late Triassic of southern Brazil showing Cargninia enigmatica being observed by the sauropodomorph dinosaur Macrocollum itaquii. Artwork by Márcio L. Castro.

Lísie Vitória Soares Damke, Vitória Zanchett Dalle-Laste, Leonardo Kerber, Lúcio Roberto-da-Silva and Rodrigo Temp Müller. 2026. New Fossil unveils the Dentary Anatomy of the rare lepidosauromorph Cargninia enigmatica from the Upper Triassic of Southern Brazil. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70268  [04 July 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Microeledone galapagensis • A New Species of Microeledone (Octopoda: Incirrata) from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae

 

Microeledone galapagensis 

Voight, Smith, Buglass & Ziegler, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 

 

Abstract

The octopod fauna of the deep tropical Pacific Ocean remains poorly known, as is the octopod family Megaleledonidae Taki. A single female megaleledonid specimen collected at 1773 m depth near the equatorial Galápagos island of Darwin is named Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. This small, squat, short-armed octopod has few arm suckers and gill lamellae. Its lack of a crop diverticulum, ink sac, and anal flaps suggests that it pertains to Thaumeledone. However, its smooth skin, which dorsally is nearly free of pigment, large rachidian tooth, and large funnel organ ally it with the monotypic Microeledone. Its reverse countershading and dense pigmentation on the inner dorsal mantle musculature distinguish this species from Microeledone mangoldi Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004a. This species belies the definition of the Megaleledonidae as large-bodied, Southern Ocean endemics, leading us to revise the family diagnosis. The short arms carrying few suckers in this genus and Thaumeledone are hypothesized to relate to heterochrony, potentially increasing energy available for reproduction and contributing to niche partitioning.

Mollusca, Thaumeledone, heterochrony, Pacific Ocean, deep sea, posterior salivary gland, ink sac, skin texture

Photos of Microeledone galapagensis sp.  nov. 
in situ (a); on recovery dorsal (b) and ventral (c) (photos by the Science Party of the NA064 cruise); in preservation dorsal (d) and ventral (e) views of entire animal. 

Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. With the characters of the genus; sheath covering inner dorsal mantle muscles heavily pigmented, internal organs lack pigment, except dots near mantle opening on mantle septum, rectum, and anus; posterior salivary glands medium, ca. 70% of buccal mass length; eyes large, slightly projecting.

Janet R. VOIGHT, Stephanie M. SMITH, Salome BUGLASS and Alexander ZIEGLER. 2026. A New Species of Microeledone from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae (Octopoda: Incirrata). Zootaxa. 5814(4); 533-549. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 [2026-05-25]

     

[Paleontology • 2026] Labrujasuchus expectatus • A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria: Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A.

Labrujasuchus expectatus

Turner, Kernan, Laing, Pritchard, Stocker, Irmis, Smith, Werning & Nesbitt, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

ABSTRACT

Bipedal shuvosaurid archosaurs were present for much of the Late Triassic Period. The clade is particularly diverse in Upper Triassic assemblages in the western U.S.A. Isolated bones are easily differentiated from contemporary archosaurs, but the two named North American species, Shuvosaurus inexpectatus and Effigia okeeffeae, display remarkably similar skeletons. Here we describe a new shuvosaurid species, Labrujasuchus expectatus, gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Norian (∼212 Ma) Hayden Quarry of northern New Mexico, U.S.A., located within the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation, that fills the temporal gap between the two species. The holotype consists of a partial skeleton, with additional shuvosaurid material from the Hayden Quarry likely pertaining to this taxon. This taxon is distinguished by four autapomorphies and assignable to Shuvosauridae based on a deep fossa present on the posterodorsal edge of the coracoid, the proximal portion of the humerus less than twice the width of the midshaft, the anteromedial tuber of the femur large and ‘hooked’ posteriorly, and a ventrally descended posterolateral portion of the femoral head. Recent Bayesian estimates of archosaur phylogeny and divergence times suggested a Middle Triassic split for Shuvosauridae as well as a decrease in the rate of morphological evolution for the clade relative to that of other archosaurs. The anatomical similarity of L. expectatus with other shuvosaurids is consistent with these estimated low rates, and the long gaps in the fossil record for the clade suggest that much of their evolutionary history remains to be sampled.

Reconstruction of Labrujasuchus expectatus, a new species of Shuvosauridae from Late Triassic rocks of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

ARCHOSAURIA Cope, 1870 (sensu Gauthier & Padian, 1985)

SUCHIA Krebs, 1974 (sensu Benton & Clark 1988)

SHUVOSAURIDAE Chatterjee, 1993 (sensu Nesbitt, 2011)

LABRUJASUCHUS gen. nov.

Type Species—Labrujasuchus expectatus

Etymology—The generic name Labrujasuchus (“la-broo-ha-soo-kus”) is derived from “Ranchos de los Brujos,” Ranch of the Witches, an old Spanish name for the Ghost Ranch area, and the Greek word Σοῦχος (suchus) meaning “crocodile.” It is masculine in gender.

 

LABRUJASUCHUS EXPECTATUS sp. nov.

Etymology—From the Latin “expectatus” for expected or awaited.

The species name is based on the anticipated nature of a shuvosaurid discovery at the Hayden Quarry.

Alan H. Turner, Ciara E. Kernan, Adam Laing, Adam C. Pritchard, Michelle R. Stocker, Randall B. Irmis, Nathan D. Smith, Sarah Werning and Sterling J. Nesbitt. 2026. A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria, Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  e2618182 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182  [26 May 2026]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha: Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography

 

Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992  
3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data.

  in Mensforth, Long, Bevitt et Clement, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271

Artwork: Thomas Turner

Abstract

Introduction: The ‘osteolepiforms’ are an extinct order of lobe-finned fishes that had a cosmopolitan distribution, which are often considered for their proximity to the vertebrate water-to-land transition. The canowindrids are an East Gondwanan clade of tetrapodomorph fishes that exhibit a high level of endemism. However, due to the rarity of canowindrid material and their taphonomy, there is only a single representative preserved wholly in 3D and thus suitable for investigation via modern non-invasive tomography.

Methods: Here we present an updated description of the holotype of Koharalepis jarviki, a canowindrid collected from the Late Devonian Aztec Siltstone formation in Mt Crean, Antarctica, elucidated via a combination of synchrotron and neutron tomography.

Results and discussion: New elements of the braincase, palate, mandible and axial skeleton are revealed for the first time, and previously reported anatomy including the dermal skull and position of the orbits are confirmed. A partial braincase and endocast has been reconstructed, enabling rare insight into the neural anatomy of Koharalepis. Phylogenetic analysis confirms Koharalepis as a member of the Canowindridae with Harajicadectes zhumini recovered as sister taxon. The canowindrids occupy a region of the phylogenetic tree with ‘osteolepidid’ taxa and megalichthyids, crownward of rhizodonts but below tristichopterids and elpistostegalids. This work provides greater support for the taxonomic characters and phylogenetic position of the enigmatic canowindrid family, and the 3D preservation of this material has enabled us to infer some behavioural and ecological insight.

Keywords: 3D modelling, canowindrid, Devonian, endocast, neutron tomography, phylogenetic analysis, Sarcopterygii, tetrapodomorph

3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data in (A) dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) anterior view, (D) left lateral view and (E) posterior view.

Et, extra temporal; Ju, jugal; L.Ex, lateral extrascapular; M.Ex, median extrascapular; Op, operculum; Par, parietal; Po, postorbital; PP, postparietal; Sclm, supracleithrum; Sq, squamosal.

Life reconstruction of the Devonian tetrapodomorph fish Koharalepis jarviki.

Artwork: Thomas Turner/Flinders University

 Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992

Corinne L. Mensforth, John A. Long, Joseph J. Bevitt and Alice M. Clement. 2026. New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha; Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography. Front. Ecol. Evol. (14); DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271 [16 April 2026]