[PaleoBotany • 2027] Araucaria benignae • New Seed Cones of Araucaria Juss. 1789 (Araucariaceae) in the Aptian Crato Fossil Lagerstätte, NE Brazil and considerations for whole-plant reconstruction

 

Araucaria benignae  

 L.Kunzmann, D.M.Conceição, Gobo, Nascimento, W.F.Silva Filho, M.E.P.Batista, Westerkamp, I.S.Carvalho & Iannuzzi, 

in Kunzmann, Conceição, Gobo, Nascimento, Silva Filho, Batista, Westerkamp, Carvalho et Iannuzzi, 2027. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2026.105716 

Highlights: 

• Araucaria benignae sp. nov. from the Cretaceous Crato Fossil Lagerstätte is proposed.

• Fossils come from two distinct ethnostrata of the Crato Formation limestone.

• Ovuliferous cones are preserved as compressions and iron oxide replacements.

• Cuticle micromorphology of ovuliferous complexes and parastichy numbers are studied.

• Wood anatomical characters of the cone peduncle is described.

Abstract

The Crato Fossil Lagerstätte in the Mesozoic Araripe Basin in northeastern Brazil comprises one of the most important fossil floras in the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) of equatorial Gondwana, distinguished by its preservation, taxonomic diversity and evolutionary significance. Although the taxonomic diversity among gnetophytes and early angiosperms is remarkable, the most frequent macrofossil remains are foliage and reproductive organs of Araucariaceae. Similar to other late Mesozoic ecosystems, it has been assumed that fossil-species of this family were major constituents and canopy-forming trees of the past vegetation. Here, we formally describe ovuliferous cones from this unit and establish Araucaria benignae sp. nov. In order to overcome the uncontrolled fossil sampling in the outcrops of the Crato Formation, Santana Group, we tentatively reallocated the ovuliferous cone specimens to ethnostrata within the C6 carbonate unit of the lacustrine limestone section using the ethnostratigraphic approach. Specimens are probably derived from the “lajão dos sete cortes” and the “lajão branco” ethnostrata, which would mean a minimum time interval of the presence of the new fossil-species of about 79–310 ka. In addition, the previously known fossil-species of Araucariaceae from the Crato Formation flora are supplemented for first considerations about putative whole-plant reconstructions in this assemblage. Although a confident whole-plant association between Araucaria benignae sp. nov. and any of the three known araucariaceous foliage species cannot yet be established, shared epidermal characters suggest a possible affiliation with Brachyphyllum obesum and/or B. sattlerae, highlighting the potential of the Crato Fossil Lagerstätte for future whole-plant reconstructions of Cretaceous Araucariaceae.

Keywords: Araripe Basin; Cuticle micromorphology; Equatorial Gondwana; Ethnostratum approach; Ovuliferous cones; Parastichy numbers

 External morphology of Araucaria benignae sp. nov., specimen MPSC PL 5937 (holotype).
A: Pedunculate spherical ovuliferous cone in lateral view, densely and helically arranged ovuliferous complexes (OC); numbers indicate positions of samples for cuticle micromorphology studies. B: Close-up of A showing rounded apical part. C: Close-up of A showing dented base with short peduncle. D: Detail of B, densely arranged OC, apophyses with mostly partly broken processes, processes exclusively point towards cone apex, arrows indicate almost complete processes. E: Close-up of B with detail of abaxial surfaces of OC's apophyses, arrow points to longitudinally oriented rows of stomata (parallel lines of protruding dots). F: Detail of C showing peduncle (arrow), dotted lines trace to margins of two scale leaves. Scale bars: A, B, C, F: 10 mm; D, E: 5 mm.

Systematic description

Subclass: Pinidae Cronquist, Takht. et W.Zimmerm. 1966 (Cronquist et al., 1966) [conifers]

Order: Araucariales Gorozh. 1904 (Gorozhankin, 1904)

Family: Araucariaceae Henkel et W.Hochst. 1865 (Henkel and Hochstetter, 1865)

Genus: Araucaria Juss. 1789 (Jussieu, 1789)

Araucaria benignae L.Kunzmann, D.M.Conceição, Gobo, NascimentoJr., W.F.Silva Filho, M.E.P.Batista, Westerkamp, I.S.Carvalho, et Iannuzzi sp. nov.

Etymology: After the Brazilian girl Benigna Cardoso da Silva called Menina Benigna (1928–1941), who was murdered in Santana do Cariri while defending herself against rape. Pope Franciscus beatified her in 2022.

Locality: Commercial limestone quarries between the cities Nova Olinda and Santana do Cariri, Nova Olinda County, Ceará State, Brazil.

Holotype: MPSC PL 5937; includes specimen, SEM stubs 01–03 from sample 2 (Fig. 5A) and LM slides 01–03 from samples 1–3, respectively.

Diagnosis: Spherical to ovoid pedunculate ovuliferous cones; apically obtuse to rounded; base often with central flat conical indentation. Peduncle foliated with Brachyphyllum-type leaves. Ovuliferous complexes arranged in 13 parastichies clockwise, 7 parastichies counterclockwise, 22 pseudo-parastichies. Ovuliferous complexes with narrow wing-like lateral parts and bulge-shaped distal apophysis with a spreading process directed towards the cone's apex. Free ligulate extension at the chalazal end of the seed short compared to seed length. Margin of ligulate extension composed of free finger-like cells. Abaxial epidermis of apophysis and apophysis‘process with numerous longitudinal rows of mostly monocyclic stomatal complexes with random pit orientation towards the process‘axis; complete epidermides non-papillate.

 External morphology of Araucaria benignae sp. nov., and its fossils preserved as replacements,
 A–C: specimen MPSC PL 5930; D–H: specimen MPSC PL 5947p/cp (part/counterpart).
A: Ovoid cone with acute apex and rounded base, outer surface abraded. B: Close-up of A, showing tangential sections of OC and yellowish circular parts of OC; cross-sections through chalazal end of seeds, demonstrating one-seeded OC; arrows indicate OC of which the outlines are demonstrated in C. C: Outlines of three OC are marked by densely dotted lines; wide-dotted lines within OC indicate the adaxial seeds. D, G: part and counterpart of ovoid cone specimen with acute apex and rounded-oblique base. E, H: Close-ups of D and G, respectively, showing mid to apical cone part with seeds (white arrows), seeds are partly filled with crystalline carbonate; dotted-line indicates outline of a single seed (same seed shown in both part and counterpart); black arrow indicates almost complete process of apophysis, which is adpressed and pointed towards cone apex. F: Cross-sectional view of peduncle scar at the part. Scale bars: A, E, F, G, H: 10 mm; B, C: 5 mm.

Lutz Kunzmann, Domingas Maria da Conceição, William Vieira Gobo, Daniel Rodrigues do Nascimento Jr., Wellington Ferreira da Silva Filho, Maria Edenilce Peixoto Batista, Ana Paula de Assis Oliveira Westerkamp, Ismar de Souza Carvalho and Roberto Iannuzzi. 2027. New Seed Cones of Araucaria Juss. 1789 (Araucariaceae) in the Aptian Crato Fossil Lagerstätte, NE Brazil and considerations for whole-plant reconstruction. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology. 356: 105716. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2026.105716

[Paleontology • 2026] Cicero spectabilis • Aptian archaeoniscid isopod from the Araripe Basin supports Tethyan-linked dispersal into Gondwanan lacustrine systems

Cicero spectabilis 

Lima, Anker, Heads, Pinheiro & Santana, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-59890-0

Life reconstruction of Cicero spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. in the Aptian lacustrine environment of the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil, showing several individuals scavenging on a dead fish (Dastilbe) on the lake floor, surrounded by aquatic vegetation (Notocyamus hydrophobus), fishes and arthropods.  

 Illustration by Maurílio Oliveira (paleoartist, MN/UFRJ).

Abstract

A new genus and species of fossil isopod, Cicero spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. is described from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation, Araripe Sedimentary Basin, Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The holotype, preserved in laminated limestones, represents the first confirmed record of the family Archaeoniscidae within this stratigraphic unit and extends the previously known paleogeographic distribution of archaeoniscid-like isopods into Gondwana lacustrine settings. The new genus is distinguished from other taxa currently referred to Archaeoniscidae—Archaeoniscus, Ferreniscus and Codoisopus, by its broad, ovate body, distinctive antennular subdivision, and a fan-like caudal structure formed by birramous uropods with well-differentiated exopod and endopod, combined with a rounded subrectangular pleotelson bearing a row of posterior setae. The exceptional preservation of C. spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. enables a detailed assessment of functionally relevant characters and supports interpretation of a benthic lifestyle on soft, low-energy substrates. A conservative concept of the family and a combination of body, pleon-pleotelson and antennular features justifies the placement of Cicero n. gen. within this extinct sphaeromatidean lineage. Within this framework, the occurrence C. spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. in a stratified lacustrine system of the Araripe Basin, together with other Mesozoic archaeoniscid-like records, suggest that some lineages currently assigned to Archaeoniscidae were able to colonize a range of non-marine environments during the Early Cretaceous, while also underscoring the need for a comprehensive phylogenetic reassessment of the group.

Keywords: Malacostraca, Sphaeromatidea, Fossil isopod, Crustacean, Santana group, Archaeoniscidae, Crato formation

Holotype of Cicero spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. from the Aptian Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil (MPSC 9701). A, Ventral view of the specimen preserved in laminated limestone. B, Interpretative line drawing highlighting cephalic appendages, pereopods, pleon, pleotelson, and uropods. Scale bars: 2 mm.

Cicero spectabilis n. gen. n. sp.

Life reconstruction of Cicero spectabilis n. gen. n. sp. in the Aptian lacustrine environment of the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil, showing several individuals scavenging on a dead fish (Dastilbe) on the lake floor, surrounded by aquatic vegetation (Notocyamus hydrophobus), fishes and arthropods. Coloration and most dorsal features are conjectural and based on extant sphaeromatidean isopods. Illustration by Maurílio Oliveira (paleoartist, MN/UFRJ).

Daniel Lima, Arthur Anker, Sam W. Heads, Allysson P. Pinheiro and William Santana. 2026. Aptian archaeoniscid isopod from the Araripe Basin supports Tethyan-linked dispersal into Gondwanan lacustrine systems. Scientific Reports. 16: 23631. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-59890-0 [19 July 2026]

 

[Paleontology • 2025] The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999 
Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

in Delcourt, Grillo, Hendrickx, Kellermann et Langer, 2025.

 Santanaraptor   Mirischia 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

 

Abstract

The upper carbonate concretion levels of the Romualdo Formation (Aptian, Brazil) have yielded several theropod dinosaur remains, including spinosaurids and the coelurosaurs Santanaraptor placidus and Mirischia asymmetrica, the phylogenetic affinities of which are controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive anatomical reassessment of the holotypes of both species (MN 4802-V and SMNK 2349 PAL, respectively), integrating newly observed osteological features and a detailed comparison of the pelvic and hind limb elements. Our preferred phylogenetic hypothesis places S. placidus and M. asymmetrica in the earliest-branching maniraptoromorph clade, along with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, suggesting an early diversification of coelurosaurs in that area, followed by Early Cretaceous dispersal events towards Gondwana. The comparative analysis of the two Romualdo taxa refutes their synonymy, given consistent differences in ischial (position and shape of the obturator plate and foramen) and tibial (condylar configuration) morphology. The observed morphological variation in the ischial obturator plate across early coelurosaurs further highlights a significant degree of homoplasy in this structure during the early radiation of the group. This revision underscores the need for additional research to further resolve the early evolutionary history of coelurosaur theropods.

Keywords: Araripe, Coelurosauria, Dinosauria, Gondwana, Theropoda

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999

Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

CONCLUSIONS: 

The comprehensive reassessment of Santanaraptor placidus (MN 4802-V) and Mirischia asymmetrica (SMNK 2349) presented here offers new insights into the anatomy, taxonomy, and phylogenetic affinities of these two coelurosaur theropods from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Romualdo Formation of Brazil. Despite the minor overlapping of skeletal elements, both specimens exhibit consistent anatomical differences that support their recognition as distinct species. These differences are particularly evident in the configuration of the ischial obturator plate and the structure of the proximal tibial condyles.

Some of our phylogenetic results place S. placidus and M. asymmetrica together with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni, from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, in a clade of early branching maniraptoromorphs. This is the first time that these Brazilian taxa are found closely related within a lesser-inclusive clade, corroborating previous assumptions of close biogeographic relations between Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses by the Early Cretaceous. Further biogeographic patterns are, however, harder to define, especially having in mind the still patchy record of Jurassic theropods in areas such as Africa, Australia, India, Antarctica, and South America.

 

Rafael Delcourt, Orlando Nelson Grillo, Christophe Hendrickx, Maximilian Kellermann, Max Cardoso Langer. 2025. The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 [18 November 2025]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2019] Lanxangichthys alticephalus • A New Lepisosteiformes (Actinopterygii: Ginglymodi) from the Early Cretaceous of Laos and Thailand, Southeast Asia

Lanxangichthys alticephalus

Cavin, Deesri, Veran, Khentavong, Jintasakul, Chanthasit & Allain, 2019

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2018.1426060 

 dinosauria.org 

Abstract

A new genus and new species of ginglymodian is described from the Aptian Grès supérieurs Formation of the Savannakhet Basin, Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic), found at the Ban Lamthouay locality. The fish is known from a single isolated head, which shows enough diagnostic characters to characterize a new taxon. It represents the first named actinopterygian fish from the Mesozoic of Laos. Among the derived characters are a very short and deep head, a series of very deep anterior infraorbitals, and a mosaic arrangement of the suborbitals. Recognition of this new form led us to identify isolated bones previously found in the Thai Khok Kruat Formation in Thailand, a lateral equivalent of the Grès supérieurs Formation. Two localities, Ban Saphan Hin and Khok Pha Suam, have yielded remains, in particular bones of the skull roof and of the circumorbital series as well as a partial postcranial body, assignable, with caution, to the new genus. When included in a cladistic analysis, the new taxon is placed at the base of the lepisosteoid lineage, together with Isanichthys known from an older formation in Thailand. The phylogenetic pattern obtained differs in some details from previous analyses and points out the pivotal role that some taxa play in the reconstruction of the phylogenies of ginglymodians. This new taxon enriches the diverse Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous ginglymodian assemblage in South-east Asia, which surprisingly shows no evidence of teleosts.

Keywords: systematics, Holostei, Mesozoic, stratigraphy, freshwater environment

 

Holostei Müller, 1844 (sensu Grande 2010) 

Ginglymodi Cope, 1872 (sensu Grande 2010) 

Lepisosteiformes Hay, 1929 (sensu López-Arbarello 2012) 

Genus Lanxangichthys gen. nov. 

Type species. Lanxangichthys alticephalus gen. et sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. As for the type and only species. 

Derivation of name. From the Kingdom of Lan Xang, Kingdom of the ‘million elephants’ (1354–1070 BC), which covered the main part of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and of the Isan region in Thailand, the area where the genus is found; and ichthys, meaning fish in Greek. 

Lanxangichthys alticephalus sp. nov.

Derivation of name. From the Latin altus, meaning high or deep, and cephalicus, meaning head, in reference to the deep head of the new species. 

Locus typicus. Ban Lamthouay, Tang Vay District, Savannakhet Province, Laos.

. Phylogenetic relationships of Ginglymodi with the position of Lanxangichthys alticephalus gen. et sp. nov. (red).

 cf. Lanxangichthys (Figs 4A–H, 5, 6) 

Locality. Ban Sapan Hin, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Lanxangichthys sp. (Figs 4I, J, 6) 

Locality. Khok Pha Suam, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.

Conclusions: 

 Lanxangichthys alticephalus represents a new and strange ginglymodian and confirms the high diversity of this group during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous in South-east Asia. Although not related to each other, this species belongs to the ginglymodians with deep and short heads, which is a morphotype already present in the Triassic with the Chinese genera Luoxiongichthys and Kyphosichthys, for instance (Wen et al. 2012; Sun & Ni 2017). This morphotype corresponds to an effective and repeated mode of life, located at the opposite position to gars in body morphospace. The new taxon also provides interesting new data about the faunal connection that links the Gres sup
erieurs and the Khok Kruat formations. Its inclusion in a phylogenetic analysis blurs slightly the signal obtained in previous analyses, but this is an interesting clue that the phylogenetic patterns formerly obtained are probably too simple. Lanxangichthys, together with other genera such as Isanichthys, Neosemionotus and Luoxiongichthys, may play a pivotal role in the understanding of the evolutionary history of this diverse group of fishes.

 

Lionel Cavin, Uthumporn Deesri, Monette Veran, Bounsou Khentavong, Pratueng Jintasakul, Phornphen Chanthasit and Ronan Allain. 2019. A New Lepisosteiformes (Actinopterygii: Ginglymodi) from the Early Cretaceous of Laos and Thailand, SE Asia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 17(5); 393-407. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2018.1426060 

  Researchgate.net/publication/323032779_A_new_Lepisosteiformes_from_the_Early_Cretaceous_of_Laos_and_Thailand

Le menu des spinosaures s’étoffe

 dinosauria.org/blog/2018/05/15/le-menu-des-spinosaures-setoffe 

 swiss-systematics.ch/en/new_species_swiss_made_2021/new_species_swiss_made_2

[Paleontology • 2020] Ubirajara jubatus • A Maned Theropod Dinosaur (Theropoda: Compsognathidae) from Gondwana with Elaborate Integumentary Structures

Ubirajara jubatus 

 Smyth, Martill, Frey, Rivera-Sylva & Lenz, 2020 

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104686  

Illustration: Bob Nicholls twitter.com/PaleoCreations 

 Abstract

Discoveries of dinosaurs with integumentary structures over the last few decades have revolutionised our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships between birds and dinosaurs as well as the origin and evolution of feathers. A remarkable number of dinosaurs have been discovered with a diverse range of preserved integumentary structures. Several of these dinosaurs are adorned with elaborate integumentary structures that have been linked to behaviours including thermoregulation, egg incubation, and sexual display. Among Theropoda, such elaborate structures have only been previously recorded within Maniraptoriformes. However, elaborate monofilamentous structures are also present in some small ornithischians. The majority of theropods preserving integumental structures come from the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous of China or the Upper Jurassic of southern Germany, and all are of Laurasian origin. Herein, we describe a new genus and species of compsognathid theropod from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of Northeast Brazil, representing the first Gondwanan non-avian theropod with preserved filamentous integumentary structures. It is also the first non-maniraptoran possessing elaborate integumentary structures that were most likely used for display. These include slender monofilaments associated with the base of the neck, increasing in length along the dorsal thoracic region where they form an impressive mane, as well as a pair of elongate, ribbon-like structures likely emerging from the shoulder. Such elaborate integumentary structures are hitherto unknown in any other dinosaur, although superficially similar elongate display feathers emerge from the carpal region of the male standardwing bird-of-paradise (Semioptera wallacii).

Keywords: Crato Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Dinosauria, Compsognathidae, Ubirajara jubatus, Integumentary structures

Ubirajara jubatus (SMNK PAL 29241):
A, Interpretative line drawing showing combined slab and mirrored counter slab.
B, Reconstruction showing preserved skeletal elements in white and integumentary structures in brown, with missing elements in grey. Elaborate display structures reconstructed as emanating from the scapular region in yellow.

DINOSAURIA Owen 1842 

THEROPODA Marsh 1881 

COELUROSAURIA von Huene 1914 

COMPSOGNATHIDAE Cope 1871 

UBIRAJARA gen. nov.

Ubirajara jubatus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology. Genus, Ubirajara, is a traditional Tupi name meaning lord of the spear, in reference to the stiffened, elongate integumentary structures associated with the specimen. The specific epithet jubatus is from the Latin, meaning maned or crested.  

Ubirajara jubatus: elaborate integumentary structures.
A, Mane of slender monofilamentous integumentary structures.
B, Paired hypertrophied broad monofilamentous integumentary structures.

Abbreviations: BMFIs, broad monofilamentous integuments; ce, cervical vertebra; cer, cervical rib; d, dorsal vertebra; ga, gastralia; rco, right coracoid; rsc, right scapula; s, sacral vertebra; SMFIs, slender monofilamentous integuments. Scale bars ¼ 20 mm

 

 Robert S.H. Smyth, David M. Martill, Eberhard Frey, Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Norbert Lenz. 2020. A Maned Theropod Dinosaur from Gondwana with Elaborate Integumentary Structures. Cretaceous Research.  In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104686

 twitter.com/PaleoCreations/status/1338264588861779969

      

[Paleontology • 2019] Tarsomordeo winkleri • Small Terrestrial Crocodyliform from the Lower Cretaceous (late Aptian) of central Texas and Its Implications on the Paleoecology of the Proctor Lake Dinosaur Locality

Tarsomordeo winkleri  Adams, 2019

  DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2019.1623226

ABSTRACT

Within the Twin Mountains Formation, the Proctor Lake dinosaur locality in central Texas is distinct from other Early Cretaceous localities by having an abundance of vertebrate fossils representing a low-diversity assemblage. However, it has yielded two small-bodied crocodyliforms, Wannchampsus kirpachi and Tarsomordeo winkleri, gen. et sp. nov. This new species is represented by a single partial skeleton with a complete dentary, trough-shaped mandibular symphysis, amphicoelous vertebrae, nearly square dorsal osteoderms, and gracile, elongated limbs. In addition, limb morphology indicates a parasagittal posture, an attribute for a terrestrial lifestyle that could have allowed T. winkleri to fill an ecological niche as an active predator of nesting dinosaurs and other small prey. A phylogenetic analysis places this new taxon within Eusuchia as a member of Paralligatoridae and the sister taxon to Paralligator major and Rugosuchus nonganensis, providing further evidence for the presence of this clade in North America. This new Proctor Lake crocodyliform expands the taxonomic diversity of the Early Cretaceous units of central Texas and provides additional insight into the paleoecology of the Proctor Lake dinosaur nesting site.

 Comparisons of Tarsomordeo winkleri, gen. et sp. nov., with the maximum size of the Proctor Lake ornithopod, Convolosaurus marri (from Andrzejewski et al., 2019). Scale bar equals 10 cm.

Map of fossil block (SMU field number 2AC) containing the partial skeleton of Tarsomordeo winkleri, gen. et sp. nov., SMU 76870, holotype, from Proctor Lake, Texas. Numbered osteoderms correspond to the order the elements were prepared from the block. White represents elements that have not been identified. Scale bar equals 5 cm.

Interpretive reconstruction of Tarsomordeo winkleri, gen. et sp. nov., showing position of recovered elements discussed in the text. Notosuchus silhouette used as model for reconstruction (phylopic.org). Scale bar equals 10 cm.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

 CROCODYLIFORMES Hay, 1930 

MESOEUCROCODYLIA Whetstone and Whybrow, 1983 

NEOSUCHIA Benton and Clark, 1988 

PARALLIGATORIDAE Konzhukova, 1954 

TARSOMORDEO, gen. nov.

 Type Species— Tarsomordeo winkleri, sp. nov. 

Etymology—‘Tarso’ and ‘mordeo,’ derived from the Latin terms for ‘ankle biter’ in reference to the small size of the type specimen. 

TARSOMORDEO WINKLERI, sp. nov.

Etymology— Tarsomordeo winkleri, in honor of Dr. Dale Winkler, for his contributions to the study of Texas paleontology and geology.

Thomas L. Adams. 2019. Small Terrestrial Crocodyliform from the Lower Cretaceous (late Aptian) of central Texas and Its Implications on the Paleoecology of the Proctor Lake Dinosaur Locality. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  e1623226. DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2019.1623226

facebook.com/WitteMuseum/photos/10155924150941991

Witte paleontologist discovers ancient cat-sized crocodile species that hunted on land  kens5.com/article/life/animals/witte-paleontologist-discovers-ancient-cat-sized-crocodile-species-that-hunted-on-land/273-519029d1-7c3d-406a-8b95-0290e910075a via @KENS5

 Kate A. Andrzejewski, Dale A. Winkler and Louis L. Jacobs. 2019. A New Basal Ornithopod (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Early Cretaceous of Texas.  PLoS ONE 14(3): e0207935. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207935

[Paleontology • 2019] Cratopipa novaolindensis • A New Genus of Pipimorph Frog (Anura) from the early Cretaceous Crato Formation (Aptian) and the Evolution of South American Tongueless Frogs

Cratopipa novaolindensis

Carvalho, Agnolin, Rolando, Novas, Xavier-Neto, de Freitas & de Andrade, 2019

  DOI:  10.1016/j.jsames.2019.03.005 

  facebook.com/IsmardeSouzaCarvalhoIsmarCarvalho7 
blogs.diariodonordeste.com.br

Highlights: 

• We describe a new species of Pipimorpha from the Crato Formation (Aptian, Early Cretaceous), Araripe Basin, Brazil.

• Cratopipa novaolindensis nov. gen. et sp. is the oldest pipimorph fossil from South America.

• Phylogenetic analysis resulted in the nesting of the new taxon within a unrecognized endemic South American clade.

• The analysis sustains dispersal of pipimorphs through an island chain or continental bridge across the Atlantic Ocean.

Abstract

Pipimorpha is a clade of tongueless anurans with a wide fossil record. Furthermore, the oldest South American fossils come from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. The aim of the present contribution is to describe a new genus and species of Pipimorpha from the Crato Formation (Aptian, Early Cretaceous), Araripe Basin, Brazil. The new specimen consists of a nearly complete skeleton that shows several anatomical similarities with other fossils from South America. Phylogenetic analysis resulted in the nesting of the new taxon within a previously unrecognized endemic South American clade. Further, some traditional groupings within Pipimorpha were not recognized. The new phylogenetic analysis reinforces previous biogeographical hypotheses sustaining dispersal of pipimorph between Africa and South America through an island chain or continental bridge across the Atlantic Ocean.

Keywords: Crato Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Pipimorpha, Brazil, South America, Africa

Systematic palaeontology

Anura Rafinesque, 1815

Pipoidea Fitzinger, 1843

Pipimorpha Ford and Cannatella, 1993

Cratopipa novaolindensis nov. gen. et sp.

Derivation of the name. Crato, from Crato Formation, the lithostratigraphic unit in which the holotype specimen was found; Pipa, the type genus of the Pipidae family. The specific epithet novaolindensis refers to the county of Nova Olinda, Ceará State, Brazil, the site where the fossil was discovered. 

  Holotype specimen of Cratopipa novaolindensis nov. gen. et sp. (UFRJDG 05 A). 

  facebook.com/IsmardeSouzaCarvalhoIsmarCarvalho7 

Skeletal reconstruction of Cratopipa novaolindensis nov. gen. et sp. 

 life reconstruction of the Aptian Pipimorpha Cratopipa novaolindensis nov. gen. et sp. 

(Art by Deverson da Silva, Pepi).

Ismar de Souza Carvalho, Federico Agnolin, Mauro A. Aranciaga Rolando, Fernando E. Novas, José Xavier-Neto, Francisco Idalécio de Freitas and José Artur Ferreira Gomes de Andrade. 2019. A New Genus of Pipimorph Frog (Anura) from the early Cretaceous Crato Formation (Aptian) and the Evolution of South American Tongueless Frogs. Journal of South American Earth Sciences. 92; 222-233. DOI:  10.1016/j.jsames.2019.03.005 

 facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=437709826973606  

Novo gênero de perereca fóssil é descoberto em Nova Olinda 

Batizado de Cratopipa Novaolindesis, a espécime habitou o Cariri há 110 milhões de anos. blogs.diariodonordeste.com.br/cariri/ciencia/novo-genero-de-perereca-fossil-e-descoberto-em-nova-olinda/22810  @diarioonline

twitter.com/amphibiansorg/status/1108741590279962629

    

[Paleontology • 2018] Lavocatisaurus agrioensis • A New Rebbachisaurid Sauropod from the Aptian–Albian, Lower Cretaceous Rayoso Formation, Neuquén, Argentina

Lavocatisaurus agrioensis 

Canudo, Carballido, Garrido & Salgado, 2018

DOI: 10.4202/app.00524.2018 

Illustration: Gabriel Lio. 

Rebbachisaurids are a group of basal diplodocimorph sauropods that diversified in Gondwana at the end of the Early Cretaceous and the beginning of the Late Cretaceous. It is a group of great palaeobiogeographical interest, for it  clearly illustrates various processes of dispersal throughout Gondwana and to Laurasia prior to the breakup of Africa and South America. However, the relationships within the group are still under discussion owing to the scarcity of cranial material that would help clarify them. In the present paper we describe the new rebbachisaurid Lavocatisaurus agrioensis gen. et  sp. nov. from the Aptian–Albian (Lower Cretaceous) of Neuquén (Argentina). Remains have been recovered belonging to an adult specimen (holotype) and two immature specimens (paratypes). Taken together, almost all the bones of the taxon are represented, including most of the cranium. Lavocatisaurus agrioensis gen. et sp. nov. is the first rebbachisaurid from Argentina with an almost complete cranium, making it possible to recognize differences with respect to other rebbachisaurids, such as the highly derived Nigersaurus. Among its most notable characters are the presences of a large preantorbital fenestra and maxillary teeth that are significantly larger than those of the dentary. Our phylogenetic study places Lavocatisaurus amongst basal rebbachisaurids, as the sister lineage to Khebbashia (the clade formed by Limaysaurinae + Rebbachisaurinae). This position, which is somewhat more derived than that previously suggested for Comahuesaurus and Zapalasaurus (the Argentinean rebbachisaurids closest in geographical and geological terms), reaffirms the presence of different basal rebbachisaurid lineages in the Early Cretaceous of Patagonia.

Key words: Dinosauria, Rebbachisauridae, phylogeny, Cretaceous, Rayoso Formation, Argentina.

Fig. 2. Rebbachisaurid sauropod Lavocatisaurus agrioensis gen. et sp. nov. from Agrio del Medio (Argentina), Aptian–lower Albian. A. MOZ-Pv1232, axis in lateral view (A1, photograph; A2, drawing); eight cervical vertebrae in lateral view view (A3, photograph; A4, drawing, ); anterior caudal vertebra in lateral view (A5); middle caudal vertebra in lateral view (A6); posterior caudal vertebra in lateral view (A7); posteriormost caudal vertebra in lateral view (A8); left tibia in lateral view (A9). B. MOZ-Pv 1255, left scapula from a juvenile specimen, in lateral view. C. Skeletal reconstruction based on the holotype and paratype specimens. Scale bars 10 cm. 

Saurischia Seeley, 1887

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878

Diplodocoidea Marsh, 1878 sensu Upchurch, 1995

Diplodocimorpha Calvo and Salgado, 1995

Rebbachisauridae Bonaparte, 1997

Genus Lavocatisaurus nov.

Etymology: In honour of the French researcher René Lavocat (1909–2007), who described Rebbachisaurus, the first known representative of Rebbachisauridae.

Lavocatisaurus agrioensis sp. nov.

Etymology: In reference to the locality of Agrio del Medio, from which the new species was found

Illustration: Gabriel Lio.  

Conclusions: 

Lavocatisaurus agrioensis is the first of the South American rebbachisaurids that preserves the rostral region of the cranium, which has allowed us to undertake a reliable enough reconstruction of the skull. The skull has a combination of morphological characters that justifies its definition as a new taxon within Rebbachisauridae along with the less derived rebbachisaurids from the Early Cretaceous of Argentina such as Zapalasaurus and Comahuesaurus. Our phylogenetic study situates Lavocatisaurus as the sister lineage of Khebbashia (Fig. 5). Lavocatisaurus is the most derived basal rebbachisaurid known to date, providing reliable information on the evolutionary steps that occurred just prior to the diversification of Rebbachisaurinae.

José I. Canudo, José L. Carballido, Alberto Garrido and Leonardo Salgado. 2018. A New Rebbachisaurid Sauropod from the Aptian–Albian, Lower Cretaceous Rayoso Formation, Neuquén, Argentina. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. in press. DOI: 10.4202/app.00524.2018 

Scientists discover a new species of dinosaur 110 million years old in Argentina

 dicyt.com/news/scientists-discover-a-new-species-of-dinosaur-110-million-years-old-in-argentina

[Paleontology • 2017] Moabosaurus utahensis • A New Sauropod From The Early Cretaceous (Aptian) of North America

Moabosaurus utahensis 

Britt, Scheetz, Whiting & Wilhite, 2017

   deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/136227 

Abstract

 The Early Cretaceous was a time of dramatic change for sauropod dinosaurs in North America. Between the Late Jurassic-aged Morrison Formation and overlying Early Cretaceous strata, there was a dramatic decline in sauropod diversity. Here, we describe a new sauropod that adds to the diversity of the Early Cretaceous, from strata that can be no older than the early Aptian, (125 Ma) some 25 million years younger than the Morrison Formation. 

Moabosaurus utahensis, n. gen., n. sp., is diagnosed in part by the following suite of characters: axially thin ventral basioccipital with posteriorly sweeping basal tubera; low-spined cervical vertebrae with neural spines that range from shallowly notched on anterior cervical vertebrae to shallow, but widely notched on middle and some posterior cervical vertebrae; posterior cervical and anterior dorsal neural spines with extremely low, axially thin, laterally wide ridges at the level of the zygapophyses; some cervical ribs with bifid posterior shafts; anterior and posterior caudal vertebrae with strongly procoelous centra, middle caudal vertebrae with mildly procoelous centra, and distal caudal vertebrae with moderately-to-strongly procoelous centra.

 To determine the phylogenetic position of Moabosaurus we utilized three different datasets and performed four analyses. All results are in agreement that Moabosaurus is a neosauropod. The two most resolved trees indicate it is a macronarian, specifically a basal titanosauriform. The thick-walled, camerate presacral vertebrae and other characters, however, preclude a more highly nested position of Moabosaurus within either Titanosauriformes, which is characterized by moderately camellate presacral vertebrae, or Somphospondyli, which is characterized by fully camellate presacral vertebrae, including the neural arches. Incorporation of these and other characters, particularly those shared with Turiasaurus and Tendaguria, into phylogenetic analyses will help resolve the interrelationships of Moabosaurus with other neosauropods.

FIGURE 36 — Moabosaurus utahensis skeletal mount.
A composite of the holotypic dorsal vertebrae (BYU 14387) and referred elements plus a skull of Camarasaurus. The skeleton is 9.75 m long. 

 B.B. Britt, R.D. Scheetz, M.F. Whiting and D.R. Wilhite. 2017. Moabosaurus utahensis, n. gen., n. sp., A New Sauropod From The Early Cretaceous (Aptian) of North America. Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan. 32(11); 189–243. deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/136227