Diasparactus is an extinct genus of diadectid reptiliomorphs, a group quite closely related to the amniotes, and paralleling some of their features. Like all advanced diadectids, Diasparactus was a herbivore, though not as large as its more well known relative Diadectes.
| Diasparactus Temporal range: Early Permian,
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| Skeleton of Diasparactus zenos in the Field Museum of Natural History. | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Reptiliomorpha |
| Order: | †Diadectomorpha |
| Family: | †Diadectidae |
| Genus: | †Diasparactus Case, 1910 |
| Type species | |
| †Diasparactus zenos | |
In Diasparactus, the spines of the dorsal vertebrae are higher than in other genera in the family.[1]
History
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In 1910, E. C. Case described Diasparactus zenos from a few vertebrae found in New Mexico.[2] In 1911, a largely intact skeleton was found in the same area. The vertebrae agreed with the described type species and the new find was considered likely to be the same species. The total length of the animal when restored was 1.35 metres.
Description
editThe skull measured 16.7 centimetres. It was in poor condition but was similar to that of Diadectes lenius and Animasatirus carinatus. The nares and orbits were in similar positions and there were fourteen teeth with possibly a rudimentary fifteenth, a dentition typical of the family. The vertebrae, ribs and limbs were described in detail. The carpals were mostly present and still in position - the best preserved examples for a diadectid then found. The foot was broad and strong with short phalanges. The feet and limbs supported the view that this animal was a marsh-dweller and probably a slow-moving herbivore.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b A Description of a nearly complete skeleton of Diasparactus zenos Case Permo-Carboniferous Vertebrates from New Mexico, p17-35. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ E. C. Case. 1910. New or little known reptiles and amphibians from the Permian (?) of Texas. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 28:163-181
