[Paleontology • 2024] Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi • The World’s Largest Worm Lizard: A New giant trogonophid (Squamata: Amphisbaenia) with extreme Dental Adaptations from the Eocene of Chambi, Tunisia

 

Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi Georgalis & Smith, 

in Georgalis, Smith, Marivaux, Herrel, Essid, Ammar, Marzougui, Temani et Tabuce, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae133

Artwork by Jaime Chirinos.

Abstract

We here describe Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi, a new amphisbaenian genus and species from the Eocene of Chambi, Tunisia. Using micro-computed tomography (μCT), we document the peculiar anatomy of the new taxon, which is characterized by extreme dental morphology, including one massive tooth on the maxilla and dentary, flat cheek teeth, and an array of other diagnostic features that readily differentiate it from all other amphisbaenians. We also redescribe the oldest named African amphisbaenian, Todrasaurus gheerbranti, from the late Palaeocene of Morocco, using μCT. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Terastiodontosaurus and Todrasaurus as sister taxa and provides strong support for a sister-group relationship of those two large-toothed amphisbaenians with extant Trogonophis. Accordingly, Todrasaurus shows that the divergence of crown Trogonophidae occurred much earlier than currently thought. Our survey of μCT scans reveals that Terastiodontosaurus, Todrasaurus, and Trogonophis are characterized by a great enamel thickness on their teeth, a feature that is absent in other examined amphisbaenians. Size estimates show that Terastiodontosaurus was the largest known amphisbaenian ever to have lived, with an estimated skull length of >5 cm. Based on new muscle data of Trogonophis, we estimate very high bite forces for Terastiodontosaurus, which would allow it to crush a wide variety of snails.

new genus and species, Palaeogene, North Africa, phylogenetic analysis, bite force, size, autecology

Systematic palaeontology

Squamata Oppel 1811,

Amphisbaenia Gray, 1844,

Trogonophidae Bonaparte, 1838

Figure 2.Holotype right maxilla (ONM CBI-1-645) of Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi. Photographs of the specimen in labial (A), medial (B), dorsal (C), and ventral (D) views.

Terastiodontosaurus Georgalis & Smith gen. nov.

 

Etymology: The genus name derives from the Greek words ‘τεράστιος’ (‘terastios’), meaning ‘huge’/‘enormous’, ‘ὀδούς’ [in genitive: ‘ὀδόντος’ (‘odontos’)], meaning ‘tooth’, and ‘σαύρα’ (‘saura’), meaning ‘lizard’. The gender of the new genus name is masculine.

 Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi Georgalis & Smith gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet is named after Professor Marcelo Sánchez-Villagra, director of the Palaeontological Institute of the University of Zurich, as an honour for his major contributions to palaeontology, zoology, and evolutionary biology, in addition to the kind friendship and his great support to the first author (G.L.G.) for many years.

Diagnosis:

Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi can be referred to Amphisbaenia based on the prominent and enlarged median premaxillary tooth, the large anterior premaxillary foramina, the low tooth count on the maxilla and dentary, the ventral extension of the mandibular symphysis below Meckel’s groove, the broad insertion fossa for mandibular adductor muscles on the posterolateral surface of the dentary, and the strong and elevated coronoid process of the dentary. Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi can be referred to Trogonophidae based on the presence of acrodont dentition, closely appressed (‘fused’) teeth, the interdigitating suture between the frontal and the facial process of the maxilla, and ectopterygoid abutting the posteromedial corner of the maxilla.

Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi is united with Trogonophis wiegmanni by: thick enamel on marginal teeth, and ‘twinning’ of paired premaxillary teeth, with median tooth separated by a diastema from paired teeth. Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi is united with Todrasaurus gheerbranti by: thick enamel on marginal teeth, extremely enlarged (>60% longer than ...

 

Type locality and horizon: Chambi 1 (CBI-1), Djebel Chambi, Kassérine region, western part of Central Tunisia, Tunisia; late early to early middle Eocene (late Ypresian to early Lutetian).

 

Life reconstruction of Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi ready to prey on a large snail of the family Bulimulidae.

Artwork by Jaime Chirinos.

Georgios L Georgalis, Krister T Smith, Laurent Marivaux, Anthony Herrel, El Mabrouk Essid, Hayet Khayati Ammar, Wissem Marzougui, Rim Temani and Rodolphe Tabuce. 2024. The World’s Largest Worm Lizard: A New giant trogonophid (Squamata: Amphisbaenia) with extreme Dental Adaptations from the Eocene of Chambi, Tunisia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(3), zlae133. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae133

  x.com/DrGeorgalis/status/1859636240070373793

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Parutaetus oliveirai • Revealing the Diversity of Paleogene Cingulates from Brazil: A New Species of Parutaetus (Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae: Euphractinae) in the Guabirotuba Formation (middle–late Eocene)

Parutaetus oliveirai

 Klimeck, Ciancio, Sedor & Kerber, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2403581  

  Researchgate.net/publication/384656990

 x.com/KerberLeonardo

Art by Márcio L. Castro.

ABSTRACT

Parutaetus is an early-diverging Euphractinae cingulate that inhabited South America during the middle Eocene–early Oligocene. Four species are known: P. chicoensis, P. clusus, P. chilensis, and P. punaensis. Here, we describe a new species of this genus from Guabirotuba Formation (middle-upper Eocene of Brazil). The osteoderms differ from other species of the genus by presenting: (i) more surface glandular and piliferous foramina; (ii) the articulation surface of the area between the osteoderms is flat and full of pronounced, round, and anastomosed projections forming serrated external and medial edges with a median projection (indentations); and (iii) larger size than other species of the genus. In combination, this suite of traits is not present in other species of the genus. The increase in the number of surface glandular and piliferous foramina may be associated with the global cooling that occurred during the middle–late Eocene that affected the South American fauna. Finally, the new species expands the knowledge about the diversity of taxa that inhabited southeast South America during the Paleogene.

External views of the fixed osteoderms of Parutaetus oliveirai.

 Hypothetical artistic reconstruction of Parutaetus oliveirai in the middle-late Eocene of Brazil.

Art by Márcio L. Castro.

 Parutaetus oliveirai

Tabata D. F. Klimeck, Martín R. Ciancio, Fernando A. Sedor and Leonardo Kerber. 2024. Revealing the Diversity of Paleogene Cingulates from Brazil: A New Species of Parutaetus (Euphractinae) in the Guabirotuba Formation (middle–late Eocene). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 44(1);  e2403581. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2403581  

  Researchgate.net/publication/384656990_Revealing_the_diversity_of_Paleogene_cingulates_from_Brazil_a_new_species_of_Parutaetus_in_the_Guabirotuba_Formation

 x.com/KerberLeonardo/status/1844710941260173615

[PaleoEntomology • 2024] Palaeorhoptrocentrus tenuicornis, Taphaeus obscurus & Eubazus electrus • New Species of braconid parasitoid wasps from the Subfamilies Doryctinae and Brachistinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from late Eocene Baltic Amber

 

Belokobylskij, Pankowski & Zaldívar-Riverón, 2024 

DOI: 10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.5.8

Abstract

Three new fossil species of braconid wasps are described and illustrated from late Eocene Baltic amber: Palaeorhoptrocentrus tenuicornis sp. nov. (Doryctinae), Taphaeus obscurus sp. nov. (Brachistinae: Diospilini), and Eubazus electrus sp. nov. (Brachistinae: Brachistini). Keys to the known species of Palaeorhoptrocentrus Belokobylskij, 2023 and to species of Eubazus Nees, 1812 described from Baltic amber are provided. An illustrated redescription of Blacus (Electroblacus) facialis Brues, 1933 (Brachistinae: Blacini) is also provided, along with digital photographs for the first time of the female of B. (Electroblacus) facialis, whose type material was lost during the World War II. We also provide morphological notes and digital photographs of a male belonging to an undescribed species of Meteorus (Euphorinae).

Eocene, parasitoids, wasp, fossil, Diospilini, Blacini, Brachistini, Meteorus

 

Sergey A. Belokobylskij, Madeline V. Pankowski, Alejandro Zaldívar-Riverón. 2024. New Species of braconid parasitoid wasps from the Subfamilies Doryctinae and Brachistinae from late Eocene Baltic Amber.  Palaeoentomology. 7(5); 645–658. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.5.8

 x.com/ZaldivarRiveron/status/1851562765980229755 

[PaleoBotany • 2023] First Recognition of the Extinct Eudicot Genus Palibinia in North America: Leaves and Fruits of Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. from the Eocene of Utah and Colorado, USA

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. 

in Manchester, Judd et Kodrul, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jse.13011

 

Abstract

Newly investigated leafy twigs bearing axillary fruits from the Eocene Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation in eastern Utah, USA, have provided more information on the species previously attributed to the Proteaceae as Banksia comptonifolia R.W.Br. The leaves are simple, estipulate with short petioles, and elongate laminae with prominent angular nonglandular teeth. The laminae have a thick midvein and pinnate craspedodromous secondaries, and are distinctive in the presence of a thick, often coalified, marginal rim. Vegetative and reproductive buds occur in the axils of the leaves. These features indicate that the species belongs to Palibinia Korovin—an extinct Eudicot genus previously known only from the Paleogene of Asia and Europe. Small pedicellate ovoid fruits 1.5–2.2 mm wide are borne in fascicles of three and are seen to be capsules with four apical valves. Despite the specific epithet referring to similarity of the foliage to that of Comptonia (Myricaceae), the fasciculate inflorescence organization with axillary flowers is quite distinct from the catkins characteristic of that family. Assignment to Banksia or other Proteaceae with complex inflorescences and follicular fruits is also problematic. Additionally, MacGinitie′s transfer of the species to Vauquelinia of the Rosaceae is contradicted by the lack of stipule scars on the twig and by differences in leaf venation and floral morphology. We transfer the species to Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov., but its familial affinity within the Pentapetalae remains uncertain. This new occurrence augments records from the Paleogene of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, China, England, and Germany.

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. leafy twigs in a slab of shale from Bonanza, UT. DMNH EPI.43698.
A, Portions of three twigs showing alternate leaves. B, Enlargement of a twig with mature leaves giving rise to a flush of new growth. C, Another portion of a twig enlarged from (A), showing the axillary position of young fruits. D, Enlargement from (C), with pedicellate axillary globose fruits. E, Enlargement from another twig in (A), showing an axillary fruit.

F–H, Individual twigs digitally extricated from the image of (A). 

Scale bars = 2 cm in (A), (F–H), 1 cm in (B, C), 5 mm in (D, E).

Systematics

Group Pentapetalae D.E. Soltis, P.S. Soltis & W.S. Judd

Order indet.

Family indet.

Genus Palibinia Korovin

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov.

Conceptual diagrams of Palibinia twigs.
A, B, Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. twigs including axillary fruits and vegetative growth, diagram by Ashley Hamersma.
C–E, Original diagrams of Korovin (1932), slightly enhanced and reduced. C, Twig of Palibinia laxifolia Forma laxifolia showing axillary flowers or fruits. D, Forma densifolia. E, Forma lanceolata.

 

Steven R. Manchester, Walter S. Judd and Tatiana Kodrul. 2023. First Recognition of the Extinct Eudicot Genus Palibinia in North America: Leaves and Fruits of Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. from the Eocene of Utah and Colorado, USA. Journal of Systematics and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jse.13011

  x.com/AsiaPaleoFloras/status/1696603495183405158

[Paleontology • 2024] Decapod Crustacean Diversity through time and space in a middle-upper Eocene carbonate-siliciclastic platform (southern Jaca Basin, Pyrenees, Spain)

Simplified reconstruction of the study area with the distribution of different facies and the different assemblages of crabs found in different environments. A-F: different decapod assemblages of the studied area (only Brachyura).
A: Belsué Platform beds (Proximal-shallow); B: Arguis platform beds (proximal); C: Coral buldups; D: Pectinid platform beds; E: Bryozoan beds; F: Arguis platform beds (distal) and Belsué platform beds (deep). The geographical subdivisions produced by the different anticlines have been omitted to simplify the scheme. Individually framed taxa have larger distribution areas, marked with a dashed line of the same colour as each box where their record is less fragmentary preservation and scattered remains, and a solid line of the same colour where their record is less fragmentary and continuous.
Taxa: 1: Carpiliidae indet. 1; 2: Calappilia sp.; 3: Lophoranina sp.; 4: Notopus sp.; 5: Galenopsis crassifrons; 6: Liopsalis anodon; 7: Carpiliidae indet. 2; 8: Gemmellarocarcinus riglosensis; 9: Daira corallina; 10: Pyreneplax cf. basaensis; 11: Portunus catalaunicus; 12: Montezumella cf. amenosi; 13: Retrocypoda almelai; 14: Retropluma eocenica; 15: Magyarcarcinus yebraensis; 16: Harpactocarcinus punctulatus; 17: Micromaia priabonensis?; 18: Leucosidae indet.; 19: Quasilaeviranina sp.; 20: Hepatiscus sp.; 21: Periacanthus horridus Bittner, 1875 . (A11–13, B20–21, D17, E1–2, F14 and 16 reused from Ferratges, 2017 ; C5 and 9 reused from Ferratges et al., 2020a ).

in Ferratges, Zamora, Klompmaker et Aurell, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2024.112373

 x.com/PaleoAdiel

 

Highlights: 

• Diverse Eocene invertebrate fauna assemblage found in the Spanish Pyrenees.

• One of first regional studies on decapod distribution in various environments.

• We quantify diversity and abundance of decapod crustaceans in different facies.

• Faunal changes across stratigraphic sequences controlled by tectonics and sediment input.

Abstract

The south-central margin of the Jaca Basin (South-central Pyrenees, Spain) offers well-exposed outcrops ideal for studying the distribution of decapod crustaceans across a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic depositional system during the middle-late Eocene (Bartonian-Priabonian). This study encompasses an area of 1000 km2, featuring environments from siliciclastic coastal plains and deltaic complexes to shallow carbonate and mixed platforms, including coral reefs, extending to prodelta/outer platform deeper conditions. Detailed sampling in four depositional sequences yielded 372 fossil decapod specimens from various lithofacies across 20 localities.

Our analysis identifies 39 decapod species within 22 families and demonstrates ecological zonation of decapods in shallow to relatively deep environments. Diversity peaks in siliciclastic shallow proximal prodelta areas and carbonate bryozoan meadows. Species distribution between carbonate and siliciclastic facies is similar, though taxonomically distinct. Articulated specimens predominantly occur in shallow proximal and relatively deep distal siliciclastic areas, linked to sudden sediment input and high sedimentation rates. These findings elucidate the spatial and temporal distribution factors of decapod crustaceans during the middle-late Eocene, contributing to the broader understanding of palaeoecological patterns in mixed depositional systems.

 Keywords: Crustacea, Taxonomy, Bartonian, Priabonian, Palaeoenvironments, Palaeoecology

 

Fernando A. Ferratges, Samuel Zamora, Adiël A. Klompmaker and Marcos Aurell. 2024. Decapod Crustacean Diversity through time and space in a middle-upper Eocene carbonate-siliciclastic platform (southern Jaca Basin, Pyrenees, Spain). Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 650; 112373. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2024.112373

 x.com/PaleoAdiel/status/1837114493043675638

[Paleontology • 2023] Theatops groehni • An Eocene Fossil plutoniumid Centipede: A New Species of Theatops (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Plutoniumidae) from Baltic Amber

 Theatops groehni 

Edgecombe, Strange, Popovici, West & Vahtera, 2023

 

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2023.2228796 

  twitter.com/JournalSystPal

 

Abstract

Four specimens of the same species of scolopendromorph centipede from Eocene Baltic amber provide the first fossil occurrence of the family Plutoniumidae, a clade represented by seven extant species. The fossil material, documented by light microscopy and computed microtomography, is assigned to the genus Theatops Newport, Citation1844, which currently has a disjunct distribution in temperate North America, the Mediterranean region, and central China. The Eocene species is diagnostically distinct from extant congeners and is formally described as Theatops groehni sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis of combined morphological and molecular data for three loci finds T. groehni to be nested within crown-group Plutoniumidae. The discovery of T. groehni constrains the minimal divergence date for crown-group Plutoniumidae and is consistent with hypotheses regarding the extent and nature of tropical to warm temperate European forests during the Eocene. The fossil reinforces the hypothesis that the distribution of Plutoniumidae, once more geographically widespread, has been pruned by extinction.

 

Keywords: Scolopendromorpha, Plutoniumidae, Theatops, Baltic Amber, Eocene

 Theatops groehni sp. nov.

Gregory D. Edgecombe, Susan E. Strange, George Popovici, Taylor West and Varpu Vahtera. 2023. An Eocene Fossil plutoniumid Centipede: A New Species of Theatops from Baltic Amber (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha). Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 21(1): 2228796. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2023.2228796

  twitter.com/WildWildTWest/status/1681691972208152577

  twitter.com/JournalSystPal/status/1683472488133545989

[PaleoEntomology • 2019] Danatettix hoffeinsorum • The Last batrachideine of Europe: A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Eocene Baltic Amber

Danatettix hoffeinsorum

 Thomas, Skejo & Heads, 2019

 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4686.3.9

Abstract

A new genus and species of pygmy grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is described from Eocene Baltic amber. Danatettix hoffeinsorum gen. et sp. nov. is assigned to the subfamily Batrachideinae based on antennae with more than 19 antennomeres, sulcate mesofemora, and rectangular paranota. This species is readily distinguished from other batrachideines by a markedly produced vertex, pronotum with divergent internal and external lateral carinae, and highly setiferous female lateral basivalvular sclerite with scabrose integument. The morphology of Danatettix suggests placement within the here defined Tettigidea genus group (comprising Eutettigidea Hancock, 1914, Paurotarsus Hancock, 1900, and Tettigidea Scudder, 1862) and suggests that the latter had diverged from the new Scaria genus group (comprising Eotetrix Gorochov, 2012, Rehnidium Grant, 1956 and Scaria Bolívar, 1887) by the Early Eocene.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Caelifera, Tetrigoidea, pygmy locusts, grouse locusts, groundhoppers, Cenozoic, Paleogene, Baltic amber, fossil insects

 Danatettix hoffeinsorum [holotype 1084-4]
 Dorsal oblique view;  Line drawing.

 (scale bar = 1 mm)

  

Danatettix hoffeinsorum gen. et sp. nov. 

 Danatettix hoffeinsorum
Fig 3. Ventral view of holotype 1084-4 (scale bar = 1 mm).
Fig 4. Close-up ventral view of ovipositor valvulae and subgenital plate of holotype 1084-4 (scale bar = 0.2 mm)

M. Jared Thomas, Josip Skejo and Sam W. Heads. 2019. The Last batrachideine of Europe: A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Eocene Baltic Amber. Zootaxa. 4686(3); 435–445. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4686.3.9

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Macroprosopon hiltoni • A Long-snouted marine Bonytongue (Teleostei: Osteoglossidae) from the early Eocene of Morocco and the Phylogenetic Affinities of Marine osteoglossids

Macroprosopon hiltoni

 Capobianco, Zouhri & Friedman, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae015

 twitter.com/acapomorphic

 life reconstruction by Sky Jung

 

Abstract

Osteoglossid bonytongues (arapaimas, arowanas, and relatives) are extant tropical freshwater fishes with a relatively abundant and diverse fossil record. Most osteoglossid fossils come from a 25-million-year interval in the early Palaeogene, when these fishes were distributed worldwide in both freshwater and marine environments. Despite their biogeographic and palaeoecological relevance, and a relative abundance of well-preserved material, the evolutionary relationships between these Palaeogene forms and extant bonytongues remain unclear. Here we describe a new genus of bonytongue from early Eocene marine deposits of Morocco, represented by an articulated, three-dimensionally preserved skull with associated pectoral girdle. This taxon is characterized by an elongated snout, contrasting with the short jaws usually found in marine representatives of the clade. A revision of morphological characters in bonytongues allows us to place this new genus, together with other marine and freshwater Eocene taxa, within crown osteoglossids and closely related to extant arapaimines. The discovery of the new Moroccan taxon hints at a previously underestimated eco-morphological diversity of marine bonytongues, highlighting the diverse trophic niches that these fishes occupied in early Palaeogene seas.

computed tomography, fish, fossil evidence, Palaeogene, phylogeny, Osteoglossoidei

Macroprosopon hiltoni

Alessio Capobianco, Samir Zouhri and Matt Friedman. 2024. A Long-snouted marine Bonytongue (Teleostei: Osteoglossidae) from the early Eocene of Morocco and the Phylogenetic Affinities of Marine osteoglossids. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlae015. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae015

 twitter.com/acapomorphic/status/1780939719259357327

  

[Paleontology • 2024] Vasuki indicus • Largest known madtsoiid Snake (Ophidia: Madtsoiidae) from warm Eocene period of India suggests intercontinental Gondwana dispersal

Vasuki indicus

Datta & Bajpai, 2024

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58377-0

Nix Illustration (CC BY-NC 4.0) (modified Madtsoiidae illustration)

Abstract

Here we report the discovery of fossils representing partial vertebral column of a giant madtsoiid snake from an early Middle Eocene (Lutetian, ~ 47 Ma) lignite-bearing succession in Kutch, western India. The estimated body length of ~ 11–15 m makes this new taxon (Vasuki indicus gen et sp. nov.) the largest known madtsoiid snake, which thrived during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at ~ 28 °C. Phylogenetically, Vasuki forms a distinct clade with the Indian Late Cretaceous taxon Madtsoia pisdurensis and the North African Late Eocene Gigantophis garstini. Biogeographic considerations, seen in conjunction with its inter-relationship with other Indian and North African madtsoiids, suggest that Vasuki represents a relic lineage that originated in India. Subsequent India-Asia collision at ~ 50 Ma led to intercontinental dispersal of this lineage from the subcontinent into North Africa through southern Eurasia.

 

Systematic paleontology

Squamata Oppel, 1811

Ophidia Brongniart, 1800

Madtsoiidae (Hoffstetter 1961) McDowell, 1987

Vasuki indicus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Generic name after the well-known Hindu mythical serpent ‘Vāsuki’ around the neck of Lord Shiva; specific name is for the country of origin i.e., India.

Holotype: IITR/VPL/SB 3102-1-21; a partial vertebral column representing the precloacal region

Horizon and locality: Naredi Formation; Panandhro Lignite Mine, district Kutch, Gujarat state, western India.

Diagnosis: Vasuki exhibits a unique combination of the following characters: presence of prominent paracotylar foramina (shared with Madtsoiidae); middle-sized cotyle (shared with Madtsoiidae); median prominence on ventral margin of centrum (shared with Madtsoiidae); prezygapophyseal process absent; high angle of synapophysis with horizontal in anterior view (avg. 71.5°); MTV diapophysis level with dorsoventral midpoint of neural canal (shared with Madtsoia madagascariensis, Madtsoia camposi, Wonambi barriei and Adinophis); prezygapophyseal buttress succeeded posteriorly by elliptical fossa (shared with Madtsoia pisdurensis); deep V-shaped embayment (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); oval precloacal cotyle (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); transversely wide vertebrae (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); neural spine posteriorly canted (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); broad hemal keel with posterior process (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); strongly notched anterior zygosphenal margin; endozygantral foramen present (shared with Madtsoia madagascariensis, Powellophis and Gigantophis garstini).

Autapomorphies: exceptionally large vertebrae [centrum length (cL): 37.5–62.7 mm and prezygapophyseal width (prW): 62.4–111.4 mm]; neural spine cross-section spade-shaped; poorly developed hemal keel which remains dorsal to the parapophyses; chisel-shaped posterior process of the hemal keel.

 

Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai. 2024. Largest known madtsoiid Snake from warm Eocene period of India suggests intercontinental Gondwana dispersal. Scientific Reports. 14, 8054. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58377-0

 www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-nearly-50-foot-snake-was-one-of-the-largest-to-slither-the-earth 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Fucaia humilis • The Oldest mysticete (Mysticeti: Aetiocetidae) in the Northern Hemisphere

Fucaia humilis 

 Tsai, Goedert & Boessenecker, 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.011 

 twitter.com/TSAI_NTU508

Highlights: 

• A new fossil mysticete is described from Washington State, USA

• This fossil represents the oldest known mysticete from the Northern Hemisphere

• The small body size contrasts with larger coeval whales in the Southern Hemisphere

• The coastal kelp ecosystem likely fostered the diversification of early whales

Summary

Extant baleen whales (Mysticeti) uniquely use keratinous baleen for filter-feeding and lack dentition, but the fossil record clearly shows that “toothed” baleen whales first appeared in the Late Eocene.1 Globally, only two Eocene mysticetes have been found, and both are from the Southern Hemisphere: Mystacodon selenensis from Peru, 36.4 mega-annum (Ma) ago and Llanocetus denticrenatus from Antarctica, 34.2 Ma ago. Based on a partial skull from the lower part of the Lincoln Creek Formation in Washington State, USA, we describe the Northern Hemisphere’s geochronologically earliest mysticete, Fucaia humilis sp. nov. Geology, biostratigraphy, and magnetostratigraphy places Fucaia humilis sp. nov. in the latest Eocene (ca. 34.5 Ma ago, near the Eocene/Oligocene transition at 33.9 Ma ago), approximately coeval with the oldest record of fossil kelps, also in the northeastern Pacific.5 This observation leads to our hypothesis that the origin and development of a relatively stable, nutrient-rich kelp ecosystem5,6 in the latest Eocene may have fostered the radiation of small-sized toothed mysticetes (Family Aetiocetidae) in the North Pacific basin, a stark contrast to the larger Llanocetidae (whether Mystacodon belongs to llanocetids or another independent clade remains unresolved) with the latest Eocene onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the Southern Hemisphere.7,8,9 Our discovery suggests that disparate mechanisms and ecological scenarios may have nurtured contrasting early mysticete evolutionary histories in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Systematics

Cetacea

Mysticeti

Aetiocetidae

Fucaia humilis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Fucaia humilis sp. nov. shares with other species of Fucaia a newly identified synapomorphy: a shallow and rounded secondary squamosal fossa on the posterolateral margin of the squamosal (Figure 1). Eomysticetids possess a similar character, but the homology within Mysticeti remains uncertain. Furthermore, Fucaia humilis sp. nov. differs from all other aetiocetids and other Fucaia species by having the following unique character combination: a shorter intertemporal constriction exposed on the skull vertex; the presence of a distinct nuchal tubercle at the junction of parieto-squamosal suture and supraoccipital; a broadly rounded, dorsally low, and lobate coronoid process of the mandible; the presence of a postcoronoid elevation; and rounded anterior border of the tympanic bulla.

 Etymology: In Latin, humilis refers to humble in English, alluding to the previously unknown humble early mysticete evolution in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cheng-Hsiu Tsai, James L. Goedert and Robert W. Boessenecker. 2024. The Oldest mysticete in the Northern Hemisphere. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.011

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[Paleontology • 2024] Asiatosuchus oenotriensis • A New Crocodyloidea from the middle Eocene of Zamora (Duero Basin, Spain)

  

Asiatosuchus oenotriensis

 Narváez, de Celis, Escaso, de Jesús, Pérez-García & Ortega, 2024

 

DOI: 10.1002/ar.25422 

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Abstract

The eusuchian crocodyliforms recorded in the Eocene levels of the Spanish Duero Basin belong to three lineages: Planocraniidae, with the species Duerosuchus piscator; Alligatoroidea, represented by several specimens of the genus Diplocynodon; and Crocodyloidea, which includes several specimens traditionally attributed to Asiatosuchus. The genus Asiatosuchus, established in 1940 based on a middle Eocene species from Mongolia, has subsequently served as a wastebasket taxon for Paleogene remains belonging to several species, not only from Asia but also belonging to the European and North American records. Many of these species are known by highly fragmentary remains, sharing the presence of characters such as a flat and triangular skull, and long symphyses in the lower jaw, recognized as characteristic for the crocodyloids. In addition to isolated cranial remains, among the material traditionally attributed to Asiatosuchus at the Duero Basin stands out a nearly complete skull and a left mandible, from the middle Eocene area of Casaseca de Campeán (Zamora Province). The present study analyses in detail these specimens, previously reported during the 1980s, but analyzed in a very preliminary way. They are included for the first time in a phylogenetic analysis to establish the systematic position of this Spanish form. The results confirm that it corresponds to a new species of basal crocodyloid, defined here as Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov.

Keywords: Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov., Crocodylidae, Lutetian, Spanish record, Zamora Province

Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov.

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SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

Crocodylomorpha Walker, 1970.

Crocodyliformes Hay, 1930.

Eusuchia Huxley, 1875.

Crocodylia Gmelin, 1789.

Crocodyloidea Fitzinger, 1826.

Asiatosuchus Mook, 1940.

Type species: A. grangeri Mook, 1940.

Distribution: Lutetian (middle Eocene) of Asia and Europe.

Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Basal crocodyloid characterized by the following exclusive combination of characters respect to other non Crocodylidae and non Mekosuchinae Crocodyloidea (sensu Rio & Mannion, 2021): nasals not contacting the external naris; palatine process extending significantly beyond the anterior margin of the suborbital fenestrae, reaching anteriorly the level of the eighth maxillary alveoli; ectopterygoid maxillary ramus forming more than two-thirds of the suborbital fenestra lateral margin; and presence of shallow depressions on the sutural intersection of the frontal with the postorbital and parietal.

...

Etymology. oenotri- refers to Oenotria (from the Greek, “the Land of Wine”) in reference to Tierra del Vino, the name of the natural region where the type locality is located; and -ensis, from the Latin, “belonging to.”

Type locality and horizon. Lutetian (middle Eocene) of Casaseca de Campeán (Zamora Province, Duero Basin, Castile and Leon Autonomous Community, central Spain) (see Ortega et al., 2022; and references therein).

CONCLUSIONS: 

A detailed study of the remains of a crocodyloid from the middle Eocene of Casaseca de Campeán (Province of Zamora, Spain) reveals a set of exclusive characters allowing the establishment of a new crocodyloid taxon, A. oenotriensis sp. nov. Regardless of the phylogenetic analysis carried out, A. oenotriensis sp. nov. is recovered as an early branching crocodyloid closely related to the German synchronous species A. germanicus. Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other “Asiatosuchus-like complex” taxa from the European Paleogene on the basis of a unique combination of characters such as the absence of contact between the nasals and the external naris, the presence of a palatine process that extends significantly beyond the anterior end of the suborbital fenestrae, an ectopterygoid maxillary ramus forming more than two-thirds of the lateral margin of the suborbital fenestra, and shallow depressions on the sutural intersection of the frontal with the postorbital and parietal.

In addition, A. oenotriensis sp. nov. shares several characters widely observed in specimens related to the “Asiatosuchus-like complex”, such as the length of the mandibular symphysis, a large medial jugal foramen, the position of the surangular-angular suture, and a short dorsal premaxillary process. Among the “Asiatosuchus-like complex,” A. oenotriensis sp. nov. shows features only shared with the species A. germanicus, such as the participation of the splenial in the mandibular symphysis, a splenial having an anterior perforation for the mandibular branch of cranial nerve V, the presence of 16 mandibular alveoli, a lingual dental occlusion, and a linear frontoparietal suture with a modest entry into the supratemporal fenestrae.

Finally, the recognition of this new middle Eocene basal crocodyloid species increases knowledge on the diversity and distribution of the “Asiatosuchus-like complex” taxa, and adds valuable information to the knowledge of the systematics of the relatively diverse crocodyliform fauna from the Spanish Duero Basin.

 

Iván Narváez, Ane de Celis, Fernando Escaso, Santiago Martín de Jesús, Adán Pérez-García and Francisco Ortega. 2024. A New Crocodyloidea from the middle Eocene of Zamora (Duero Basin, Spain). The Anatomical Record. DOI: 10.1002/ar.25422

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