Proaigialosaurus is an extinct genus of semi-aquatic diapsid reptile. The genus was erected by Kuhn (1958), based upon skull fragments, which have since been lost.[1]

Proaigialosaurus
Temporal range: Late Jurassic
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Clade: Mosasauria
Family: Aigialosauridae
Genus: Proaigialosaurus
Species:
P. huenei
Binomial name
Proaigialosaurus huenei
Kuhn, 1958

Generally considered the oldest specimen of the lizard family Aigialosauridae, others have considered it to be a pleurosaurid, a marine sphenodontian (the order to which the extant Tuatara belongs).[2]

Proaigialosaurus was discovered in the Solnhofen limestone formation of Bavaria, Germany.[2] It was small (less than a metre long).[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Dutchak, A.R. (2005). "A review of the taxonomy and systematics of aigialosaurs" (PDF). Netherlands Journal of Geosciences. 84 (3): 221–229. Bibcode:2005NJGeo..84..221D. doi:10.1017/s0016774600021004. S2CID 133058224. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-16.
  2. ^ a b c Molnar, Ralph E. (2004). "The Long and Honorable History of Monitors and Their Kin". In Pianka, Eric R.; King, Dennis R.; King, Ruth Allen (eds.). Varanoid Lizards of the World. Indiana University Press. pp. 10–67. doi:10.2307/j.ctt2005wjp.6.