Mystriosuchus planirostris (Meyer, 1863)
Systematics: Phytosauria Phytosauridae Pseudopalatinae
Size: 4 m long
Type Horizon and Locality: Late Triassic, Mittlerer Stubensandstein Member, Löwenstein Formation (Norian) Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Type Specimen: MCZ 1018/4361, skull and dorsal vertebrae
Phytosaurs were a group of Late Triassic archosauriforms showing remarkable morphological convergence with crocodiles. Their have nostrils at the level of the eyes rather than at the tip of the snout and were more heavily armored. The genus Mystriosuchus ("spoon crocodile") had a very long snout reminiscent of modern gharials and was more adapted to an aquatic life than other phytosaurs. Mystriosuchus has been found in Europe (Germany, Austria, Italy, England). Three species are currently recognized: M. planirostris, M. westphali and the recently described M. steinbergi.
February 16, 2020
References:
Hungerbühler, A. (2002). The Late Triassic phytosaur Mystriosuchus westphali, with a revision of the genus. Palaeontology, 45(2), 377-418.
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