[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Asioaspis brachyotus • A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida: stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China

 

Asioaspis brachyotus

 R.-R. Zhang, N. Zhang, Li, Zhu & Gai, 2026

 

VERTEBRATA ALASIATICA. 64(2);   

 

A new genus and species, Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. of Polybranchiaspiformes, is described from the Lower Devonian Lochkovian Xishancun Formation near Miandian Reservoir, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. The new genus is characterized by an elongated ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins, a small subcircular median dorsal opening, short and laterally projecting cornual processes, an exceptionally broad ventral rim, 12 pairs of branchial fossae, and coarse granular tubercles (~3/mm²). It displays a mosaic of characters of the most primitive polybranchiaspiform (Platylomaspis), derived Polybranchiaspiformes, and even the basal members of the galeaspid family Dayongaspidae. Phylogenetic analysis resolves A. brachyotus as an intermediate taxon between the most primitive Gumuaspidae and other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. Although A. brachyotus also shares the broad ham-brim-like ventral rim with the Gumuaspidae, its other characters are more like other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. In particular, its median dorsal opening and paired orbital openings are not highly close-set on the top of the headshield as in the Gumuaspidae, but rather significantly separated from each other and close to the margin of the ventral rim as in the Pentathyraspidae, Duyunolepididae, and Polybranchiaspidae. These proportions indicate that it was unlikely to have lived a semi-infaunal lifestyle and are more consistent with the epibenthic habit typical of most galeaspids, representing an evolutionary transition from the semi-infaunal benthic to epibenthic lifestyle within Polybranchiaspiformes.

Photograph of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. from Lower Devonian Xishancun Formation, Qujing, Yunnan in ventral view
A. an incomplete headshield, paratype, IVPP V26676. 2; B. a nearly complete dorsal headshield, holotype, V26676. 1
A. an incomplete dorsal headshield, IVPP V26676.5; B. an incomplete dorsal headshield, V26676.4b

Subclass Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967 

Supraorder Polybranchiaspidida Janvier, 1996 

Order Polybranchiaspiformes Liu, 1965 

Family Asioaspidae fam. nov. 

Type genus Asioaspis gen. nov. 

Differential diagnosis: The Asioaspidae is distinguished from other families of Polybranchiaspiformes by its short, ear-like, and laterally projecting cornual processes. It resembles the Gumuaspidae in having a broad ventral rim, but differs in lacking a rostral process. It differs from the Duyunolepididae, Pentathyraspidae, and Polybranchiaspidae by the presence of a broad ventral rim and further differs from the Duyunolepididae by bearing a pair of broad inner cornual processes. Therefore, a new family, the Asioaspidae fam. nov., is herein established.

Genus Asioaspis gen. nov.  

Type species Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: Asioaspis is derived from Asio (referring to owls of the genus Asio characterized by prominent ear tufts) plus aspis (Greek shield). 

Diagnosis: Medium-sized polybranchiaspiform characterized by an ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins; the rostral margin arcuate, but lacking a rostral process; the cornual processes short and projecting laterally; the inner cornual processes large and broad leaf-shaped; median dorsal opening small and subcircular in shape; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; the sensory canals are well developed, V-shaped posterior supraorbitals and four pairs of lateral transverse canals issuing from the lateral dorsal canal; ventral rim of headshield remarkably broad, 13.5–14.1 mm in width on each side (approximately one half of the width of the entire headshield); a large dome-shaped oralobranchial chamber (a composite chamber with both oral and branchial functions) with 12 pairs of branchial fossae; and ornamentation consists of coarse tubercles (~3/mm²)

 Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: The brachyotus means short-eared, which is in reference to its short and laterally projecting cornual processes that resemble a pair of short ears on the headshield, as in Asio.

Type locality and horizon: Miandian Reservoir in the Triathlon Sports Park, Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China; Xishancun Formation, lower Lochkovian, Lower Devonian.

Morphological comparison of Polybranchiaspiformes, Dayongaspidida, and Huananaspidiformes

A. Asioaspis; B. Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); C. Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); D. Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); E. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); F. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); G. Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018)

A–E, G. in dorsal views; F. in ventral view.  

Phylogenetic diagram of Dayongaspidida, Polybranchiaspiformes, and Huananaspidiformes
Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Polybranchiaspis (Liu, 1965); Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015).

No scaled

 Life restoration of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

ZHANG Rui-Rui, ZHANG Ning, LI Qiang, ZHU Min and GAI Zhi-Kun. 2026. Asioaspis, A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida, stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China.  VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 64(2); 137-150.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113 [20 April 2026] 

https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Nanxiongilambda yei • First Asian Paleocene pantolambdid pantodont (Mammalia) and its implications to intercontinental faunal exchange

Nanxiongilambda yei 

Quan & Wang, 2024

www.vertpala.ac.cn 

 Researchgate.net/publication/385015091

 Illustrated by Chen Yu

Pantodonta was one of the first groups of eutherians to evolve at the beginning of Cenozoic era, including the largest herbivores at that time. Pantodonta shows considerable diversity during the Paleocene and Eocene, with most of the species having been discovered in Asia and North America. Here, we report on a new pantodont, represented by lower jaws with well-preserved dentition, discovered from the Middle Paleocene Nongshan Formation of the Nanxiong Basin, Guangdong Province, China. Its unique dental and mandibular characteristics distinguish it well from any known Asian pantodont, but are quite consistent with North American taxa, especially Pantolambda and Titanoides. The new specimen is identified as Nanxiongilambda yei gen. et sp. nov., characterized by the combination of the following morphological features: thick and robust mandible with a conspicuous anteroexternal flange, high positioned condyloid process, posteriorly protruding angular process, robust but not elongated lower canines, double-rooted p1, small but distinct talonids on posterior lower premolars, talonids nearly as wide as trigonids on lower molars, and m3 with a well-developed hypoconulid and a distinct entoconid. The new discovery marks the first record of a pantolambdid pantodont outside of North America, suggesting a broader geographical distribution and intercontinental dispersal of this clade during the Paleocene. Considering the more primitive Pantolambda only found from Torrejonian to early Tiffanian NALMA (equivalent to middle-late Shanghuan to early Nongshanian ALMA), which is slightly earlier than Nanxiongilambda (early Nongshanian ALMA), pantolambdids have likely undergone a particular wave of migration from North America to Asia during the Early-Middle Paleocene. Previous researches have suggested that pantodonts had dispersed only from Asia to North America during the Early Paleocene, but our new specimen indicates the biotic dispersal may have occurred in the opposite direction. The new specimen also contributes to the renewal of the evolutionary history of pantodonts and provides further insights into the migration and dispersal of Paleocene mammals.

 Right lower jaw with cheek teeth of Nanxiongilambda yei gen. et sp. nov. (IVPP V33263, Holotype) from Nanxiong, Guangdong, China
 A. lateral view; B. medial view

Abbreviations: agp. angular process; apf. anteroposterior flange; cdp. condyloid process; cop. coronoid process; maf. masseteric fossa; mdf. mandibular foramen; mf. mental foramina

 Lower jaws with teeth of Nanxiongilambda yei gen. et sp. nov. (IVPP V33263, Holotype) from Nanxiong, Guangdong, China
A. left and right mandible in occlusal view; B. left mandible in lateral view; C. left mandible in medial view; D. right cheek teeth (p2-p4 and m2-m3) in occlusal view; E. left cheek teeth (p1-m1) in occlusal view

Abbreviations: end. entoconid; hyd. hypoconid; hyld. hypoconulid; med. metaconid; pad. paraconid; prd. protoconid; tad. talonid

Head reconstruction of Nanxiongilambda yei gen. et sp. nov.
Nanxiongilambda from the Middle Paleocene Nongshan Formation of the Nanxiong Basin, Guangdong Province, China is a pantolambdid, belonging to the order Pantodonta, an extinct group of “archaic ungulates”. Members of Pantolambdidae were previously only known from the lower–middle Paleocene in North America. This finding extends the geographical distribution of Pantolambdidae. Nanxiongilambda yei represents the first known Asian Cenozoic mammal with reliable North American affinity prior to the Late Paleocene, which indicates a particular wave of migration from North America to Asia during the late Early-early Middle Paleocene.

(Illustrated by Chen Yu).

QUAN Shuo-Shuo and WANG Yuan-Qing. 2024. First Asian Paleocene pantolambdid pantodont (Mammalia) and its implications to intercontinental faunal exchange. Vertebrata Palasiatica. 62(4); 291-312.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240829  

https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240829

  Researchgate.net/publication/385015091_First_Asian_Paleocene_pantodont_Mammalia

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Miaojiaaspis dichotomus • A New Genus of galeaspids (Eugaleaspiformes: Tujiaaspidae) from the early Silurian Chongqing Lagerstätte, China

 

Miaojiaaspis dichotomus 

Chen, Li, Zhou, Shan, Y.-A. Zhu, Wang, Wei & M. Zhu, 2024

 https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240820 

 

The early Silurian Chongqing Lagerstätte (middle Telychian) yields exceptionally preserved articulated jawless and jawed fishes. Here, we describe a new eugaleaspiform (Galeaspida, jawless stem-Gnathostomata), Miaojiaaspis dichotomus gen. et sp. nov., from the Chongqing Lagerstätte in Xiushan, Chongqing, China. The new form resembles Tujiaaspis vividus in the short medial dorsal canal, and the presence of the branching ends of the lateral transverse canal. They differ in that T. vividus has highly developed subordinate branches of the sensory canals that form a reticulate sensory canal system, and the median dorsal opening is more elongated. Our phylogenetic analysis recovers M. dichotomus and T. vividus as a monophyletic clade (Tujiaaspidae fam. nov.), which is supported by two synapomorphies: the short medial dorsal canal, and the branching ends of the lateral transverse canal. Tujiaaspidae forms a trichotomy with Shuyuidae and a clade comprising Anjiaspis, Sinogaleaspidae, Yongdongaspidae, and the ‘eugaleaspid cluster’. The sensory canal patterns in galeaspids are compared to show the transformation sequence of the sensory canal system in Eugaleaspiformes.

Photographs (A, C) and interpretative drawings (B, D) of Miaojiaaspis dichotomus gen. et sp. nov. from Xiushan, Chongqing
A, B. an incomplete internal mold of the headshield with the trunk articulated, CIGMR V0125a; C, D. an incomplete external mold of the headshield with the trunk articulated, holotype, CIGMR V0125b

Subclass Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967

Order Eugaleaspiformes (Liu, 1965) Liu, 1980

Family Tujiaaspidae fam. nov.

Type genus Tujiaaspis Gai et al., 2022.

Referred genus Miaojiaaspis gen. nov.

Differential diagnosis Tujiaaspidae differs from other families of Eugaleaspiformes in the short medial dorsal canal, and the branching ends of the lateral transverse canal.

Remarks Our phylogenetic analysis shows that M. dichotomus and T. vividus form a monophyletic clade supported by two synapomorphies.

Genus Miaojiaaspis gen. nov.

Type species Miaojiaaspis dichotomus sp. nov.

Etymology From Miaojia, Pinyin for the Miao People, a minority ethnic group in China, which is one of the two main autonomous minority ethnic groups in Xiushan County, Chongqing, and aspis (Gr.), shield.

Differential diagnosis M. dichotomus differs from T. vividus in a more subtriangular headshield, no highly developed subordinate branches of sensory canals and a shorter median dorsal opening.

Miaojiaaspis dichotomus sp. nov.

Holotype An incomplete headshield with the trunk articulated, CIGMR V0125a, b (Figs. 2–3).

Referred specimens 8 complete headshields, CIGMR V0126–V0129, IVPP V28714–V28717 (Fig. 4).

Etymology From dichotomus (Latin), referring to the dichotomous ends of the lateral transverse canals.

Diagnosis Small-sized eugaleaspiform fish with a subtriangular headshield. Spine-shaped cornual and inner cornual processes caudo-laterally or caudally oriented. Longitudinal oval-like median dorsal opening. Pineal opening positioned behind the posterior margin of the orbits. Funnel-shaped supraorbital canals. Short medial dorsal canal. 

 

CHEN Yang, LI Qiang, ZHOU Zheng-Da, SHAN Xian-Ren, ZHU You-An, WANG Qian, WEI Guang-Biao, ZHU Min. 2024. A New Genus of galeaspids (jawless stem-Gnathostomata) from the early Silurian Chongqing Lagerstätte, China. Vertebrata Palasiatica. 62(4); 245-261.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240820 

 https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240820 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Hispanodorcas longdongica • First Report of Hispanodorcas (Bovidae: Antilopinae) from the Late Miocene of China

Hispanodorcas longdongica 

Wu, Wang, Liang, Guo, Sun, Liu, Duan & Chen, 2024

 vertpala.ac.cn/EN/volumn/volumn_144.shtml

 twitter.com/SomniosusW

 Asbtract 

As a small to middle-sized bovid, Hispanodorcas had previously only been found in the pan-Mediterranean region and South Asia. Its taxonomic classification at the tribe level has been a subject of debate, with possible associations to Antilopini, Reduncini, or Oiocerini. Here, we report on the first discovery of Hispanodorcas in East Asia, H. longdongica sp. nov. from the Daidian Locality in China, dating to the early Baodean age (~8-7 Ma). The new material consists of five skulls with varying states of preservation and provides the most complete osteological information on Hispanodorcas to date. It features a long, slender, and posteriorly curved horncore with a weak homonymous twist and both laterodorsal and medioventral grooves, which is characteristic of Hispanodorcas. This new species is characterized by having the smallest size amongst all known Hispanodorcas species, a weakly curved brain case in the facial region, and poorly developed posterior and anterior basilar tuberosities. These primitive characteristics suggest that H. longdongica may represent an early evolutionary stage of this genus. Furthermore, they indicate that Hispanodorcas might have directly evolved from the Gazella stock. The homonymous twist in the horncore, which aligns with Oiocerini, may be a case of homoplasy.

Cranium (A−D) and mandible (E) of Hispanodorcas longdongica from Daidian Locality, Qingyang
A. GGM GSKY 22010, the type specimen, in lateral (A1), ventral (A2), and caudal (A3) views;B. GGM GSKY 22012, in dorsal view; C. GGM GSKY 22014, in dorsal (C1) and lateral (C2) views;D. GGM GSKY 22011, in ventral (D1) and lateral (D2) views;E. GGM GSKY 22013, in lateral (E1) and occlusal (E2) views. 

Family Bovidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Antilopinae Gray, 1821

Hispanodorcas Thomas et al., 1982

Hispanodorcas longdongica sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Hispanodorcas of small size (size close to living Oribi, Ourebia ourebi); horncore long and slender, posteriorly curved, slightly diverge, moderately compressed, with a weak homonymous twist (1/2 circle); laterodorsal and medioventral grooves present (with variation); post cornual fossa round and deep, supraorbital foramen oval and deep. Cranial bent weak, resulting in a small angle between the horncore and dorsal cranium; occiput low; basioccipital and basisphenoid thin with relatively weak posterior and anterior basilar tuberosities. Tympanic bullae large, ellipsoid, with poorly developed lamina vaginalis; lacrimal fossa shallow, poorly defined. Cheek teeth high-crowned, lacking ecto/entostylies.

Etymology The species name derives from the region name, Longdong, where the new specimens were discovered.

 

WU Yong, WANG Shi-Qi, LIANG Zhi-Yong, GUO Ding-Ge, SUN Bo-Yang, LIU Long, DUAN Kai and CHEN Guo-Zhong. 2024. First Report of Hispanodorcas from the Late Miocene of China.  Vertebrata PalAsiatica. 62(2); 135-155.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.240123

 vertpala.ac.cn/EN/volumn/volumn_144.shtml

 twitter.com/SomniosusW/status/1789143872435875946 

   

[Paleontology • 2024] Austronaga minuta • A small-sized dinocephalosaurid archosauromorph (Diapsida: Dinocephalosauridae) from the Middle Triassic of Yunnan, southwestern China

 Austronaga minuta

Wang, Lei & Li, 2024

  Researchgate.net/publication/377413090

Abstract

Among numerous marine reptiles discovered in the Triassic eastern Tethys, today’s Southern China, Dinocephalosaurus is a bizarre animal comparable to European Tanystropheus in developing a prominently long neck. These two taxa are respectively assigned to Dinocephalosauridae and Tanystropheidae, and the two families and other basal members collectively form an early-diverging clade of Archosauromorpha. Here we report a new archosauromorph specimen, IVPP V18579, excavated from the lower Middle Triassic (Anisian), from Luoping, Yunnan in southwestern China. Compared with all the hitherto known dinocephalosaurids and tanystropheids, this skeletally mature individual is exclusively similar to Dinocephalosaurus in a number of characteristics, particularly with the long posterodorsal process of the premaxilla extending posteriorly beyond the level of the external nares, the concave posterior margin of the anteroposteriorly broad quadrate, and the strongly expanded distal end of the chevron in most of the caudal vertebrae. However, this reptile is much smaller than Dinocephalosaurus and different from Dinocephalosaurus and the other dinocephalosaurid, Pectodens, in many aspects, such as an anteriorly tapering long rostrum, the dentition composed of short conical teeth with less heterodonty, relatively but obviously tall neural spines of the axis and the anterior cervical vertebrae. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the new archosauromorph is a dinocephalosaurid, and then we erect Austronaga minuta gen. et sp. nov. based on this specimen. Detailed comparisons in osteological anatomy and the discussion about its potential aquatic adaptation of this new taxon are also provided.

Key words: Luoping, Yunnan, East Tethys, Triassic, marine reptile, Archosauromorpha, Dinocephalosauridae, osteological anatomy

Diapsida Osborn, 1903

Archosauromorpha Huene, 1946 sensu Dilkes, 1998

Dinocephalosauridae Spiekman et al., 2021

Austronaga minuta gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Austronaga, from the Latin “auster” or “austral” meaning south or southern referring to the South China Block where this taxon occurred, combining with “naga”, an Asian mythological figure that is snake-like and associated with water; minuta meaning small refers to the relatively small body size of this animal compared with most of its Triassic marine archosauromorph relatives. 

Wei Wang, Hong Lei and Chun Li. 2024. A small-sized dinocephalosaurid archosauromorph from the Middle Triassic of Yunnan, southwestern China. Vertebrata Palasiatica.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.231013

https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/CN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.231013

Researchgate.net/publication/377413090_A_small-sized_dinocephalosaurid_archosauromorph_from_the_Middle_Triassic_of_Yunnan_China

 

摘要：现在的中国南方地区在三叠纪时期曾位于特提斯洋东部。在该区域产出的众多海生爬行动物中，恐头龙(Dinocephalosaurus)的形态特化，颈部极度增长，可与时代略晚的长颈龙(Tanystropheus)相比拟。这两种爬行动物分别归属于恐头龙科(Dinocephalosauridae)和长颈龙科(Tanystropheidae), 而这两个科的成员加之另外一些基干物种代表了主龙型类(Archosauromorpha)中一系列早期分异出的支系。报道一件产自云南罗平地区中三叠世安尼期地层的主龙型类成年个体新标本IVPP V18579, 与目前已知的早期主龙型类成员相比，该标本显示出与恐头龙属一致但区别于其他属种的特征，主要包括前颌骨发育有超过外鼻孔后缘的较长后背侧突，方骨前后向较宽大且具有后边缘的凹缺，大部分尾椎上的人字骨带有远端前后向的延展。然而，新标本体型明显小于恐头龙，且显示出与恐头龙属和梳齿龙属(另一恐头龙科成员)不同的鉴别特征，例如吻部窄长、牙齿短锥状且异齿性弱、枢椎和前部颈椎的神经棘显著更高等。基于最新的用于早期主龙型类系统发育分析的特征矩阵，系统发育分析结果确定V18579代表一个新的恐头龙科成员，在恐头龙科中与恐头龙属互为姊妹群关系。于是基于V18579建立了一新属新种：玲珑南蛇龙(Austronaga minuta), 同时对其进行了详细的解剖学特征描述，并讨论了它可能具有的水生适应性。

关键词: 云南罗平, 东特提斯, 三叠纪, 海生爬行动物, 主龙型类, 恐头龙科, 骨骼学解剖

[Paleontology • 2022] Reappraisal of the largest ctenochasmatid Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al. 2012 (Pterosauria: Ctenochasmatidae)

Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012 

in Gao, Jiang, Xu, et al., 2022. 

 vertpala.ac.cn 

Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012 was erected as a member of the Boreopteridae, which was questioned by different researchers shortly after the publication. Although the new assignment to the Ctenochasmatidae is widely accepted by pterosaur researchers, some characteristics still require a detailed description. Here, the holotype of this taxon is restudied, and some ambiguous characteristics are re-identified. The diagnosis of this taxon has been revised as the following: a large ctenochasmatid pterosaur, which can be distinguished from other members of this clade by a single autapomorphy: an elongated rod-like parietal crest that extends posterodorsally, forming an angle of about 15° with the ventral margin of the skull. This taxon can be further distinguished from other ctenochasmatids on the basis of the following combination of characteristics: straight occlusal surfaces of the upper and low jaws; presence of a low premaxillary crest confined anterior to the nasoantorbital fenestra; rostrum about two thirds of the skull length; nasoantorbital fenestra occupying slightly more than 20% of the skull length; about 100 slender teeth; and a mid-cervical length/width ratio of about 7. The wingspan of M. zhuiana has been re-estimated according to a simple regression equation for wingspan versus skull length in ctenochasmatids. It confirms that M. zhuiana, although smaller than previous thought, is still the largest known ctenochasmatid. When comparing the sizes of ctenochasmatids in the Jurassic and Cretaceous, ctenochasmatids showed a rough tendency to increase their sizes.

Key words: Liaoning, Jiufotang Formation, Moganopterus zhuiana, largest ctenochasmatid

Photographs and reconstruction of the holotype of Moganopterus zhuiana (HGM 41HIII-0419) from Jianchang, Liaoning
A. slab A; B. slab B; C. the reconstruction of the upper and lower jaws.

GAO Dian-Song, JIANG Shun-Xing, XU Li, CHENG Xin, YANG Li-Li, JIA Song-Hai and WANG Xiao-Lin. 2022. Reappraisal of the largest ctenochasmatid Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012. VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 60(3); 197-211. vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.220111

 DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.220111

http://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/2096-9899/home.shtml

   

摘要：朱氏莫干翼龙(Moganopterus zhuiana)由吕君昌等于2012年建立,并将其归入北方翼龙科(Boreopteridae), 这一分类在发表后不久就受到了不同研究者的质疑。之后,尽管关于莫干翼龙归入梳颌翼龙科(Ctenochasmatidae)的观点已被大部分翼龙研究者所接受,但是很多特征还需要详细的描述。通过对朱氏莫干翼龙的正型标本进行详细观察,对一些较为模糊的特征进行了重新确认。将其鉴定特征修改为：一种大型的梳颌翼龙类成员,具有一个与其他成员不同的自有裔征——一长棍状额骨嵴向后背侧延伸,并与头骨腹面形成15°夹角。同时莫干翼龙还具有以下的特征组合可以区别于其他梳颌翼龙类成员：平直的上下颌咬合面;低矮的前上颌骨嵴位于鼻眶前孔之前;吻端约占头骨长度的2/3; 鼻眶前孔占头骨长度略大于20%; 100枚细长的牙齿;中部颈椎的长宽比约为7。依据梳颌翼龙类翼展和头骨长度的线性关系,重新推测了莫干翼龙的翼展。新的推测结果证实,虽然比最初推测的小了很多,但莫干翼龙仍然是已知的个体最大的梳颌翼龙类成员。对比侏罗纪和白垩纪的梳颌翼龙类,这一种类的体型大致存在一个增大的趋势。

关键词: 辽宁, 九佛堂组, 朱氏莫干翼龙, 最大的梳颌翼龙类

Lü Junchang; Pu Hanyong; Xu Li; Wu Yanhua; Wei Xuefang (2012). "Largest Toothed Pterosaur Skull from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, China, with Comments On the Family Boreopteridae". Acta Geologica Sinica. 86 (2): 287–293. DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-6724.2012.00658.x

[PaleoOrnithology • 2019] A Taxonomical Revision of the Confuciusornithiformes (Aves: Pygostylia)

Eoconfuciusornis zhengi 

in Wang, O’Connor & Zhou, 2019.
  Vertebrata PalAsiatica. 57(1)  ||  ivpp.cas.cn

Illustration by Michael Rothman RothmanIllustration.com

Abstract

The Confuciusornithiformes is a basal clade of Early Cretaceous birds that includes the oldest and most basal birds with a toothless beak and an abbreviated bony tail. Over the last two decades, thousands of specimens have been collected, more than for any other group of Mesozoic birds or non-avian dinosaurs. Ten species separated into four genera have been erected with limited taxonomic phylogenetic scrutiny. Here, we perform a comparative study of these ten species, and demonstrate that most of these taxa were originally diagnosed by characters that prove to be either preservational artifacts, intraspecific variations, subject to ontogenetic variation, or widely distributed among the Confuciusornithiformes or a more phylogenetically inclusive group. Our results suggest that ‘Confuciusornis suniae’, ‘C. feducciai’, ‘Jinzhouornis yixianensis’, ‘J. zhangjiyingia’, and ‘C. jianchangensis’ are all junior synonyms of C. sanctus. ‘C. chuonzhous’ lacks autapomorphies of C. sanctus and is referred to Confuciusornithiformes incertae sedis. Our taxonomic reappraisal of published materials indicates that the Confuciusornithiformes consists of one family, three genera, and four species: Confuciusornis sanctus, C. dui, Changchengornis hengdaoziensis, and Eoconfuciusornis zhengi, for which we provide revised diagnoses.

Key words: Cretaceous, Aves, Confuciusornithiformes, Confuciusornis, taxonomy, phylogeny

  Male and female Eoconfuciusornis zhengi in level flight over a lacustrine habitat, Early Cretaceous, NE China.

Illustration by Michael Rothman

 RothmanIllustration.com

Conclusion: 

Reexamination of all currently recognized species of the Confuciusornithiformes supports widespread conjecture in the literature that most taxa are invalid due to inadequate diagnoses, based on characters that are either widely distributed among confuciusornithiforms, taphonomic artifacts, points of intraspecific variation, or simply misinterpreted. ‘C. feducciai’, ‘C. suniae’, ‘J. yixianensis’, ‘J. zhangjiyingia’, and ‘C. jianchangensis’ should be regarded as junior synonyms of C. sanctus. ‘C. chuonzhous’ is a nomen dubium and should be referred to Confuciusornithiformes incertae sedis. The recently described BMNHC-PH870 is certainly a confuciusornithiform, but cannot be adequately diagnosed at this time without the discovery of more material to clarify potential ontogenetic differences between this specimen and other confuciusornithiforms from the Huajiying Formation. Therefore, BMNHC-PH870 is regarded as Confuciusornithiformes incertae sedis. Under the present taxonomic revision, the Confuciusornithiformes consists of one family, three genera, and four species, C. sanctus, C. dui, Ch. hengdaoziensis, and E. zhengi. The actual diversity of the Confuciusornithiformes is in all probability higher. However, the identification of new species needs to be well supported by valid diagnostic features that clearly distinguish the putative new taxa from existing confuciusornithiforms. This taxonomic revision clarifies the current diversity and provides a launching point for future studies attempting to tackle the thousands of unstudied confuciusornithiforms in collections throughout China.

Wang Min, Jingmai O’Connor and Zhou Zhong-He. 2019. A Taxonomical Revision of the Confuciusornithiformes (Aves: Pygostylia). Vertebrata PalAsiatica. 57(1): 1–37. ivpp.cas.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/xbwzxz/201811/t20181103_5160014.html

 RothmanIllustration.com/work-subject-area-selections 

[Paleontology • 2017] Zhongjianosaurus yangi • A New Tiny Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group of western Liaoning and Niche Differentiation Among the Jehol Dromaeosaurids

Zhongjianosaurus yangi 

Xu & Qin, 2017 

Abstract 

The Early Cretaceous Jehol dromaeosaurids are taxonomically and morphologically diverse, and one of them, Microraptor zhaoianus, has been suggested to be among the smallest known non-avialan theropods. However, this idea is based on specimens of relatively early ontogenetic stages, and the lower limit of the mature body mass of Jehol dromaeosaurids thus remains unknown. Here we describe a new dromaeosaurid, Zhongjianosaurus yangi gen. et sp. nov., based on a specimen from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation (the middle section of the Jehol Group) from Sihedang, Lingyuan County, Liaoning in Northeast China. While this new taxon is referable to the Microraptorinae, it differs from other microraptorine dromaeosaurids in numerous features, most notably the fusion of proportionally long uncinate processes to dorsal ribs, a humerus with a strongly medially offset proximal end and a large fenestra within the deltopectoral crest, an ulna slightly longer than the humerus, and an arctometatarsalian pes. Most significantly, the estimated 0.31 kg mass of the Z. yangi holotype of an adult individual confirms that some Jehol dromaeosaurids are among the smallest known non-avialan theropods. Our preliminary analysis demonstrates niche differentiation among the Jehol dromaeosaurids, a phenomenon rarely reported among Mesozoic dinosaurian faunas. 

Key words:  Lower Cretaceous, Jehol Group, Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae, small size, morphological variation, niche differentiation

 

Systematic paleontology

 Theropoda Marsh, 1881

 Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

 Dromaeosauridae Matthew et Brown, 1922

Zhongjianosaurus yangi gen. et sp. nov.

 Etymology: The genus name and specific epithet are in honor of Yang Zhongjian (C.C. Young), who is the founder of vertebrate paleontology in China.

Locality and Horizon: Sihedang, Lingyuan County, Liaoning Province, China. Possibly Yixian Formation, Aptian, Cretaceous (Swisher et al., 2001).

Diagnosis: A tiny microraptorine theropod distinguishable from other microraptorines in the following autapomorphies: proportionally long ossified uncinate processes fused to dorsal ribs, widely arched furcula with slender and posteriorly curved clavicular rami, humeral proximal end strongly offset medially from humeral shaft, humeral internal tuberosity short, presence of large fenestra within humeral deltopectoral crest, humeral ulnar condyle hypertrophied, ulna slightly longer than humerus, ulnar olecranon process with posterior margin mediolaterally pinched, ulnar distal end bending anteriorly and strongly expanded laterally, proximal end of metacarpal II with strong ventrolateral extension, metacarpal III laterally bowed with longitudinal ventral groove, phalanx II-2 without proximodorsal lip and lacking strong dorsal arching, femoral head stout and lower than trochanteric crest, medial condyle of tibiotarsus distal end with a prominent distal extension, arctometatarsalian pes, and metatarsal II without ginglymus on distal end.

 

 Xing Xu and Zi-Chuan Qin. 2017. A New Tiny Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group of western Liaoning and Niche Differentiation Among the Jehol Dromaeosaurids. Vertebrata PalAsiatica. In press.

http://www.ivpp.ac.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/pressonline/201704/P020170410587218147108.pdf

[Paleontology • 2017] Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis • A New Crested Theropod Dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of Yunnan Province, China

Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis 

Wang, You, Pan & Wang, 2017 

IVPP.ac.cn

　　

Abstract

A new crested theropod, Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis gen. et sp. nov., is reported. The new taxon is recovered from the Lower Jurassic Fengjiahe Formation of Shuangbai County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is represented by a partial cranium. Shuangbaisaurus is unique in possessing parasagittal crests along the orbital dorsal rims. It is also distinguishable from the other two lager-bodied parasagittal crested Early Jurassic theropods (Dilophosaurus and Sinosaurus) by a unique combination of features, such as higher than long premaxillary body, elevated ventral edge of the premaxilla, and small upper temporal fenestra. Comparative morphological study indicates that “Dilophosaurus” sinensis could potentially be assigned to Sinosaurus, but probably not to the type species. The discovery of Shuangbaisaurus will help elucidate the evolution of basal theropods, especially the role of various bony cranial ornamentations had played in the differentiation of early theropods.

Key words:   Chuxiong; Early Jurassic; crest; dinosaur; theropod

Fig. 2 Cranium of Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis (CPM C2140ZA245) in right lateral view. 

Dinosauria Owen, 1842 

Saurischia Seeley, 1887 

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

 Shuangbaisaurus gen. nov. 

Etymology “Shuangbai” is the Chinese name of the county where the holotype was recovered, and this county was first established in West Han Dynasty (AD 109). “Sauros” is Greek for lizard.

Type species Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis As for type and only known species (see below). 

Shuangbaisaurus anlongbaoensis gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology “Anlongbao” is the Chinese name of the town where the holotype was recovered, and it literally means dragon-placing fort. 

Holotype CPM C2140ZA245, a partial skull with lower jaw. Type locality and horizon Liuna Village, Anlongbao Town, Shuangbai County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The specimen was from the dark purple muddy siltstones in the lower part of the Lower Jurassic Fengjiahe Formation.

 Diagnosis Basal theropod distinguished by having parasagittal crests at least along orbital dorsal rims. Shuangbaisaurus also possesses a unique combination of features, including elevated ventral edge of the premaxilla (also present in Dilophosaurus and LFGT LDM-L10 of Sinosaurus), higher than long premaxillary body (also present in LFGT LDM-L10 of Sinosaurus, but longer than high in Dilophosaurus and KMV 8701 of Sinosaurus), and small upper temporal fenestra with its diameter shorter than the transverse width of the parietals in between and about half the length of the skull table posterior to the orbit

 WANG Guo-Fu, YOU Hai-Lu, PAN Shi-Gang and WANG Tao. 2017. A New Crested Theropod Dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of Yunnan Province, China.
 VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. www.IVPP.ac.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/pressonline/201703/t20170329_4765824.html

[Paleontology • 2017] Datonglong tianzhenensis • A New Hadrosauroid Dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Tianzhen, Shanxi Province, China

Datonglong tianzhenensis  

 Xu, You, Wang, Wang, Yi & Jia, 2016

Abstract  

 A new non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroid dinosaur (Datonglong tianzhenensis gen. et sp. nov.) is reported. The new taxon is recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Huiquanpu Formation of Tianzhen County, Shanxi Province in northern China, and represented by an almost complete right dentary with dentition. Different from all other hadrosauroids, Datonglong possesses two functional teeth in each alveolus, and the pattern of ridge development on the lingual surface of its dentary crown shows a unique combination of character states (for example: distally offset primary ridge; well-developed secondary ridge; no additional ridge(s); slightly distally curved apical half of primary ridge). Comparative studies indicate advanced non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroids experienced a complex pattern in the evolution of their dentary, especially dentary dentition. Derived hadrosaurid features occurred frequently in these taxa, such as high height/width ratio of tooth crown in Bactrosaurus, one primary and one faint ridges in Gilmoreosaurus, median placed primary ridge in Zhanghenglong, rostrally inclined coronoid process in Nanningosaurus, and two functional teeth in each alveolus in Datonglong. This implies incredible diversities and attempts close to the origin of Hadrosauridae and difficulties to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships.

Key words: Tianzhen, Shanxi; Late Cretaceous; dinosaur, hadrosauroid

Fig. 2 Photos of right dentary of Datonglong tianzhenensis gen. et sp. nov. (SXMG V 00005)

A. lateral view; B: medial view. C: dorsal view; D. caudal view; E. close-up of partial dentition in B; E is not in scale

http://www.ivpp.cas.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/xbwzxz/201602/P020160229559242531386.pdf

Systematic paleontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Ornithischia Seeley, 1887

Ornithopoda Marsh, 1881

Iguanodontia Dollo, 1888 sensu Sereno, 2005

Ankylopollexia Sereno, 1986 sensu Sereno, 2005

Styracosterna Sereno, 1986 sensu Sereno, 2005

Hadrosauriformes Sereno, 1997 sensu Sereno, 1998

Hadrosauroidea Sereno, 1986 sensu Sereno, 2005

Datonglong gen. nov.

Datonglong tianzhenensis sp. nov.

Holotype: SXMG V 00005, almost complete right dentary with dentition.

Etymology: The generic name “Datong” is after “Datong City”, and Tianzhen is a county belonging to it; “long” means “dragon” in Chinese. The specific name “Tianzhen” is after “Tianzhen County”, where the current material is discovered.

Locality and horizon: Kangdailiang Quarry, Tianzhen County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China. Huiquanpu Formation, Upper Cretaceous.

 Shi-Chao Xu, Hai-Lu You, Jia-Wei Wang, Suo-Zhu Wang, Jian Yi and Lei Jia. 2016. A New Hadrosauroid Dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Tianzhen, Shanxi Province, China. Vertebrata PalAsiatica. 54(1): 67−78. 

http://www.ivpp.cas.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/xbwzxz/201602/P020160229559242531386.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/296549839_A_new_hadrosauroid_dinosaur_from_the_Late_Cretaceous_of_Tianzhen_Shanxi_Province_China

New hadrosauroid dinosaur found from the late Cretaceous of Shanxi, China http://phy.so/378632791 via @physorg_com