A new, well-preserved troodontid postcranial skeleton from the Jehol Biota of the Ningcheng Basin, Inner Mongolia, China, is described and assigned to Sinovenator changii based on an autapomorphy: the presence of two pneumatic foramina on the lateral surface of the anterior cervical vertebrae. This specimen is inferred to be an adult based on the presence of an external fundamental system (EFS) in the ulna, as well as the complete fusion of the cervical neural arches and centra. This represents the first record of a troodontid dinosaur from the Jehol Biota in Inner Mongolia. The discovery of this new specimen reveals additional morphological details of Sinovenator changii and expands the paleogeographic range of this taxon. Notably, this new specimen bears a moderately developed pubic ambiens process, in contrast to the anteroposteriorly elongated condition in Late Cretaceous troodontids. This morphology may reflect an early evolutionary phase in the elongation of the ambiens process among troodontids and might suggest a comparatively constrained hindlimb locomotor capacity relative to that of their Late Cretaceous relatives. In addition, body size comparisons among deinonychosaurians reveal that dromaeosaurids exhibit much greater size disparity than troodontids, which may reflect greater diversity in dromaeosaurid locomotion, ecological niches, or growth strategies.
The earliest turtles (clade Testudinata) are known from the Norian (middle Late Triassic) and soon after their appearance they became speciose and widespread. However, their record in the later part of the Late Triassic (Rhaetian) remains very scarce. Herein, we present the first European representatives of the clade from that age. Bartassochersis lopezi gen. et sp. nov. from the Rhaetian Formation of France is recovered here as a proterochersid and presents a number of unique, autapomorphic characters, hinting at the previously unknown morphological diversity of stem turtles in the latest Triassic. This landscape is supplemented by a find of an indeterminate, but probably remarkably small-bodied species from the ‘Grès infraliasiques’ Formation. Previously uncharted regions and latest Triassic strata of Pangaea may, therefore, still hide unknown testudinates.
Leptarctine mustelids are Neogene carnivorans with fossil records in Asia and North America. In the 170 years since the clade was erected, all taxa within this clade have been characterised based on craniodental traits. Despite having geographically extensive and well-preserved fossil records, no postcranial elements of leptarctines are known other than a single atlas and axis reported from Inner Mongolia. Here, I describe a partial skeleton of Leptarctus wortmani , with associated lower dentition, partial cranium and partial postcranial elements representing fore-limb, hind-limb and pre-sacral vertebral column. I conduct a functional morphological analysis of the external proportions and internal epiphyseal trabeculae of limb elements to provide information for the locomotor mode of Leptarctus . Functional indices of external limb morphology and internal trabeculae both indicate that L. wortmani was likely a generalist in its locomotor mode; there is no support for an arboreal lifestyle as previously suggested, based on dental similarities to kinkajou or koala. Overall, the postcranial morphology of L. wortmani most closely resembles that of extant Eurasian badgers Meles , albeit with reduced ungual phalanges and more elongate long bones for its size. These palaeoecological inferences suggest that L. wortmani occupied a badger-like niche during the middle and late Miocene, pre-empting the appearance of true North American badgers, such as Pliotaxidea and Taxidea . Competitive replacement by extant badgers may be responsible for the extinction of leptarctines by the Pliocene.
A bromalitic concentration from the Lower Miocene (upper Burdigalian, calcareous nannoplankton Zone NN4) deposits of Meljski Hrib near Maribor, northeastern Slovenia, preserves at least 25 fragmentary basking shark gill rakers together with polygonal calcified-cartilage tesserae and disarticulated echinoid remains. Comparative morphology, geometric morphometric analysis of gill-raker bases, and micro-computed tomography of associated skeletal elements support assignment of the material to Keasius cf. K. septemtrionalis. This represents the first confirmed occurrence of Keasius from Slovenia and extends the known paleogeographic distribution of the genus into the southeastern margin of the Central Paratethys. The close association of cetorhinid remains with abundant echinoid material and the absence of acid etching on gill-raker surfaces indicate that the assemblage is rather a regurgitalite than a coprolite. The associated invertebrate fauna indicates deposition in an outer-shelf to upper-slope environment (approximately 150–250 m water depth). This taphonomic and paleoenvironmental context is most consistent with opportunistic scavenging by a benthopelagic vertebrate predator, plausibly a lamniform or hexanchid shark. The assemblage provides rare fossil evidence of trophic interactions involving planktivorous basking sharks and macrophagous vertebrates in Miocene deep-water ecosystems and provides new insights into the paleoecology and biogeographic history of cetorhinid sharks within the Paratethyan realm.
The pycnodontiform family Mesturidae from the Middle and Upper Jurassic of central Europe has been studied in detail. Mesturus verrucosus, the type species of the genus Mesturus, is being re-described, primarily based on new, partly juvenile specimens. M. verrucosus is recognised as the only species of the genus Mesturus. The species previously described under Mesturus, M. leedsi, is now described as new genus Aminiichthys. Additionally, specimens which until now were added to the type species Mesturus verrucosus were now separated from this taxon and placed in the separate new genus Goodichthys. The new genera Aminiichthys and Goodichthys differ from the genus Mesturus mainly in the scale rows of the body which do not bifurcate, the ornamentation of vomer and prearticular teeth and for Goodichthys also in the lower number of dorsal fin rays and the elongated scales in the cheek region. New small specimens of 4–9 cm total length from Eichstätt and Painten were assigned here to Mesturus verrucosus for the first time and described as juveniles using newly-taken UV photos that reveal many previously unknown features. A new phylogeny of the Pycnodontiformes is presented, in which the new taxa were added.
Panguraptor lufengensis You et al., 2014 is the first Coelophysoidea species that has been named in Asia. In previous studies, the description of the holotype lacked anatomical detail, providing insufficient information. In this research paper, the anatomy is further described, and the autapomorphic characters of P. lufengensis are re-evaluated, resulting in a diagnosis comprising six characters. Phylogenetic analysis shows that P. lufengensis is an early-branching member of the superfamily Coelophysoidea, indicating a yet to be uncovered ghost lineage of Coelophysoidea in East Asia.
Over the past decade, a large number of macrofossils have been documented from the Alpstein Region (north-eastern Switzerland), shedding light on the local diversity and palaeoecology during the Early to Late Cretaceous. Although ectocochleate cephalopods exhibit some of the highest diversity and abundance within this fauna, only a few nautilid genera have been documented thus far. Here, we report a new occurrence of the Cretaceous nautilid Pseudocenoceras archiacianum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of the genus Pseudocenoceras from Switzerland. Additionally, this represents the first occurrence of P. archiacianum from the Albian stage. However, because early taxonomic works often underestimated the impact of ontogenetic and intraspecific variation, a comprehensive revision of the taxonomy and systematics of nautilids is needed.
Pachyostosis, the increase in volume of bones, has been documented in a myriad of tetrapods that secondarily adapted to the aquatic environment. However, this convergent trait has hitherto only been quantified in complete ribs and long bones. This study presents a methodology designed to quantify the degree of pachyostosis in ribs and vertebrae for both complete and fragmentary skeletal elements. Using surface models, the volumes of costal and vertebral regions were measured and standardized using size proxies to devise a pachyostosis index. Sirenians are used as a case study, given the disparity in pachyostosis degrees that has already been documented in the clade, especially in their ribs. The new methodology can detect this disparity and further demonstrates that pachyostosis also affects their vertebrae. Milder cases of pachyostosis, such as in the extant Dugong dugon, are likely secondary specializations to a specific lifestyle. The craniocaudal distribution of the pachyostosis index values is also potentially helpful for further distinguishing finer lifestyle differences. This new method has the potential to clarify the causes of the disparity in pachyostosis degrees observed in the fossil record of sirenians, and it may also prove valuable in broader, non-mammalian contexts.
The pan-trionychids Aspideretes beecheri and Helopanoplia distincta were named at the beginning of the 20th century based on fossils collected from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lance Formation of Wyoming. Interestingly, even though numerous additional pan-trionychid remains from Late Cretaceous formations of the Upper Great Plains have since been referred to Helopanoplia distincta based on its unique surface texture, no additional specimens have been referred to Aspideretes beecheri. We figure and describe all material previously referred to Aspideretes beecheri and select specimens referred to Helopanoplia distincta. Interspecific and intraspecific variation is assessed by reference to extant trionychids as a basis for taxonomic revision. We re-assign all specimens historically referred to Aspideretes beecheri to Axestemys splendidus and Axestemys infernalis. An unusual plastron previously thought to represent Helopanoplia distincta is referred to Hutchemys walkerorum. Although the type of Helopanoplia distincta is characterized by a distinct, tuberculate shell surface texture, material previously referred to this taxon suggests that this texture is only occasionally found in some parts of the shell. The holotype of Aspideretes beecheri otherwise shows characteristics consistent with being the subadult of material previously referred to Helopanoplia distincta. We thus conclude that the two taxa are synonymous and form the new combination Helopanoplia beecheri. We urge caution when identifying fragmentary pan-trionychid remains, as a tuberculate surface texture pattern is found in at least two distinct taxa. We support the conclusion, nonetheless, that Helopanoplia beecheri is one of only a few turtles to have gone extinct at the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary.
Lungfishes are common components of the Late Triassic, continental vertebrate assemblages, and yet remain understudied compared to their frequency. They are represented by the three genera, most abundant in specimens: Arganodus, Ceratodus and Ptychoceratodus. Here, we describe new Ptychoceratodus lungfish material from the Late Triassic Klettgau Formation of Switzerland, which is known for its occurrences of numerous synapsids, sphenodonts, turtles, and dinosaurs. The provided description of lungfish dental plates is the first from this formation, despite brief earlier reports. Besides the description of new material, we re-evaluate the studies of lungfish from Late Triassic north-western Pangea and their palaeogeographic distribution. Our results illuminate the potential controls on the distribution of the three most common genera of that time. Our results support the hypothesis that the distribution of Arganodus and Ptychoceratodus followed the latitudinal belts, controlled either by climatic conditions or hypothetical physical barriers. The distribution of Ceratodus appears to be associated with the coastal regions of the continent, although no direct evidence indicates its tolerance for marine salinity. The study is strengthened by the first georeferenced, open-source dataset of fossil lungfish occurrences used for the abovementioned analysis. The dataset can be readily expanded with data from other stratigraphic and spatial frameworks, acting as a foundation for future, fully reproducible palaeobiogeographic studies.
Three fossiliferous horizons of the Late Pliocene (MN15–early MN16) locality of Jradzor in Armenia have yielded numerous well-preserved dental and postcranial remains of Hipparionini. Based on anatomical comparisons and allometric analyses, all described specimens are attributed to “Hipparion” longipes. The systematics of this species remains unclear. Following detailed morphological observations and morphometric analyses of Pliocene Hipparionini, this study suggests a re-assignment of both “Hipparion” longipes and “H.” fissurae to the genus Cremohipparion (comb. nov.). Furthermore, the large, slender-limbed Cremohipparion sp. from Ruscinian localities on the Iberian Peninsula (La Gloria 4, La Calera, Orrios-1 and Villalba Alta Rio 1) is, as suggested in recent literature, morphologically distinct from Cremohipparion fissurae from its type locality in Layna and is likely endemic to Spain during MN14. The tentative revision of “H.” cf. longipes from Akkaşdağı (MN13, Turkey) into Cr. cf. fissurae, in addition to the confirmed record of Cr. fissurae in Layna (MN15, Spain), leads a reconsideration of both the palaeobiogeographic distribution and biostratigraphic range of this species.
The fossil site of Venta Micena (Baza Basin, southeastern Iberian Peninsula), dated to the Early Pleistocene (1.6–1.5 Ma), is renowned for its huge assemblage of skeletal remains of large mammals, most of which were unburied from two roughly coeval excavation quarries, VM3 and VM4. These bone accumulations resulted from the scavenging habits of giant hyaenas (Pachycrocuta brevirostris), which transported ungulate carcasses to their maternity dens to consume them. The fossils have enabled detailed reconstructions of Western European faunal communities during the Early Pleistocene, but the remains of small vertebrates, particularly birds, are rare and still poorly understood. Here we describe the first avian remains from Venta Micena and assess their palaeoenvironmental and ecological significance. Three taxa were identified: (i) the Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna; (ii) the Pleistocene Giant Crane Grus cf. primigenia; and (iii) the Pleistocene subspecies of Common Raven, Corvus corax antecorax. The presence of T. tadorna and G. cf. primigenia suggests the existence of a wetland environment characterized by oligohaline waters surrounded by brackish pools in the vicinity of the site. The presence of C. corax antecorax is consistent with the abundance of remains of ungulate carcasses exploited by P. brevirostris, indicating rich scavenging opportunities. Palaeosynecological modeling suggests that meat consumption by ravens approached those of each of the large carnivores, thus significantly reducing the available carrion for other secondary consumers. Moreover, digestive corrosion and tooth marks on bird bones evidence the consumption of avian remains by carnivores, probably juvenile hyaenas. Altogether, these findings reveal a more complex structure of the faunal community that inhabited Venta Micena than previously recognized. First avian remains from Venta Micena are described, including a shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, and the oldest records of the large crane Grus cf. primigenia and raven Corvus corax antecorax. Grus and Tadorna support the presence of a mild, oligohaline to brackish wetland environment in the Baza Basin. The scavenging habits of Corvus add complexity to the trophic interactions in the ecosystem surrounding the Baza palaeolake.
The origin of the Testudo graeca complex has been suggested to be in the Caucasus. Poor fossil records and incomplete preservation of available fossils limit deep-time reconstructions of the paleobiogeographic history of the complex. The present work describes recently discovered tortoise species found from the Early Pliocene Jradzor site, Armenia. Apart from being one of the few well-preserved and complete species of the genus in the fossil record, the Jradzor species is the only well-dated (∼4.16 and 3.98 Ma) form among fossil representatives of the genus. The tortoise material is numerous and comprises several complete and partial shells, including some rare cranial elements and numerous postcranial bones, including the presence of bony thigh spurs. The material clearly belongs to a testudinid taxon, based on the alternating neural plates, the coincidence between the costal/peripheral sutures and the pleural/marginal sulci, the presence of a well-developed epiplastral lip, and the complete fusion of the trochanters of the femur, reaching an average carapace length of 30 cm. Furthermore, the presence of a clear hypo-xiphiplastral hinge on the plastron indicates that the Jradzor tortoise is a member of the true Testudo (or sensu stricto) lineage. Our morphological and phylogenetic analysis placed the Jradzor tortoise within the context of the Eurasian Testudinini, showing that the recovered material should be described as a new species, that is phylogenetically placed as a sister group to the extant Testudo graeca complex. The new material allows an evaluation of the validity of previously known and relevant taxa and their inclusion in a new phylogenetic analysis like Testudo eldarica and Testudo kuchurganica, excluding Testudo burtsсhaki that should be considered as a nomen dubium. The new material presented herein sheds light on the origin and early evolution of the modern Mediterranean tortoises.
The Jradzor locality (Armenia, South Caucasus) provides a stratigraphically constrained Pliocene carnivoran record spanning 4.16–3.98 Ma and 3.3 ± 0.03 Ma. Here we report new material of five taxa: Nyctereutes urartuensis, Chasmaporthetes lunensis and Pliocrocuta perrieri from the horizon JZ–7, Baranogale helbingi, and a lynx-sized felid from three older layers (JZ–3s, JZ–13 and JZ–15). Dental and mandibular morphology, together with morphometric analyses, indicate a guild combining an omnivorous raccoon dog, an archaic ictonychid mustelid and two large hyaenids representing distinct feeding strategies (cursorial hunting vs. bone cracking). The Jradzor assemblage documents carnivoran diversity and ecological structure at the biogeographic junction between Europe and Asia especially along the southern margin of the Eastern Paratethys and contributes to understanding dispersal and community dynamics during the Pliocene.
Bothriolepis yunnanensis Liu, 1962, was first described based on an anterior median dorsal plate (assigned here as the lectotype) and a posterior median dorsal plate (assigned here as the paralectotype) from the Shangshuanghe Formation (Eifelian, Middle Devonian) in Qujing, Yunnan, southwestern China. Since then, no additional material has been assigned to B. yunnanensis, resulting in its morphology and phylogeny being poorly understood. In this study, we provide a comprehensive description of the head shield, trunk armor, and pectoral appendage of B. yunnanensis based on newly collected specimens from the type locality and neighboring sites in the Zhujiangyuan (Pearl River Source) area, Qujing. With the new fossil horizon in the Xichong Formation (Givetian), our latest findings extend the temporal range of B. yunnanensis to the entire Middle Devonian. Phylogenetic analysis shows that B. yunnanensis, B. zhujiangyuanensis, B. sinensis, and B. kwangtungensis from China and some Bothriolepis species from Laurussia and Kazakhstania are united into a clade sharing a slender proximal segment of the pectoral appendage, the absence of the median occipital crista, and a long posterior pit line. This result further corroborates the paleogeographic proximity between the South China and Kazakhstania blocks.
Scaphopods (Class Scaphopoda, Phylum Mollusca), commonly known as tusk shells, are univalve mollusks exclusively from marine environments that live buried within the substrate. Within this class there are two orders: Dentaliida (elongated shells with sculpture and ornamentation) and Gadilida (smaller, smooth shells). For the Miocene marine deposits (Burdigalian) of the Navidad Formation, Ranquil Formation, Lacui Formation and Ip & uacute;n beds, the diagnostic characters of a total of 2,103 scaphopod specimens were studied in order to identify and define species, and to establish biogeographical patterns within the latitudinal transect from 33 degrees S to 45 degrees S, through the evaluation of the alpha, beta, gamma biodiversity and rarefaction indices. Eleven species of Scaphopoda were identified for the Lower Miocene of Chile. Of these species, seven belong to the order Dentaliida (Dentalium sulcosum, Fissidentalium majus, Fissidentalium matanzasense comb. nov., Fissidentalium subgiganteum, Fissidentalium taverai sp. nov., Fissidentalium sp. 1, and Fissidentalium sp. 2) and four to the order Gadilida (Gadilaphilippiana comb. nov., Cadulus scarabinorum sp. nov., Polyschides pichi sp. nov., and Dischides nor sp. nov.), being the first Miocene gadilid species recognized from Chile. With the existing paleobathymetric information based on otolith associations, it was possible to determine the environment of the most abundant species of Scaphopoda from the Lower Miocene of Chile. The most abundant species are Gadila philippiana comb. nov. and Cadulus scarabinorum sp. nov., followed by Fissidentalium subgiganteum; all three species are distributed in environments of 400-600 m water depth. The second most abundant Dentaliida species is Dentalium sulcosum, which is found in deeper environments (> 600 m). There are also species distributed in shallower environments (200-400 m), such as Fissidentalium matanzasense. Finally, there is no significant latitudinal species turnover, so the existence of only one paleobiogeographic province during this time range is suggested by the scaphopod fauna.
Here we report on the anatomical re-investigation of a Late Pleistocene (Middle Würmian Interstadial, MIS 3, ca. 40–50 ka BP) perinatal woolly mammoth excavated in 1890-91 from Niederweningen, Switzerland, the first perinatal mammoth ever scientifically studied. In order to narrow down its age at death we compare perinatal woolly mammoths and African elephants in terms of their (i) ontogenetic allometry, especially in woolly mammoths from Russia, (ii) bone microstructure, (iii) tooth eruption sequences, and (iv) the timing of cranial suture closure. A distinct layer of postnatal bone deposition in the tibial midshaft and maxilla identified using micro-CT scanning, in particular, provides strong evidence of a post-natal ontogeny despite the lack of obvious wear in the dentition, suggesting an age of no more than a few months. Odontochronologically, the individual probably belongs to Jachmann’s (1988) Dental Stage 1 (3 months - 2 years), and tiny pits in the enamel/dentin tips of lamellar edges are analogous to those seen in juvenile M. primigenius from Russia (“Lyuba”), and are variously hypothesized to be caused by initial wear, spalling, dissolution pitting, incomplete mineralization, or eruption through the gums. Additionally, we describe anisomelia of uncertain aetiology, resulting in the stunting right fore-leg, perhaps contributing to the cause of its death. Finally, we discuss the significance to ecology and extinction of an altricial life-history strategy and the relatively rapid post-natal growth evidenced in woolly mammoths, a taxon with an exceptionally long gestation period.
This article provides a description of the invertebrate trace fossils from the Hamar Laghdad region of Tafilalt in Morocco. These ichnoassemblages occur in Middle Devonian marly limestone layers, which are characterised by varying clastic content and different degrees of dolomitisation. These Eifelian and Givetian ichnoassemblages comprise: (i) Eifilian ichnoassemblages consisting of Arenicolites isp., Crescentichnus antarcticus, Selenichnites hundalensis and Osculichnus cf. labialis; (ii) a Givetian ichnoassemblage containing Arenicolites isp., Diplocraterion isp., Sinusichnus sinuosus, and Thalassinoides paradoxicus. The Eifelian strata were deposited in a moderately shallow inner shelf environment, which have been changed to a deeper inner shelf setting during the Givetian. This environment was characterised by high energy levels and a high concentration of organic matter. Some of these ichnotaxa are commonly referred to feeding of xiphosurans or trilobites, traces of suspension feeding and dwellings of polychaete worms and crustaceans, deposit-feeding non-decapod crustaceans, as well as deposit-feeding and dwelling of crustaceans. The present comprehensive ichnological analysis is important in at least three aspects: (1) it reports the oldest occurrences of Selenichnites and Sinusichnus in Africa and one of the oldest in the world; (2) It suggests a more ancient root for the represented complex behaviour of modern arthropods than previously thought; (3) It contributes to the understanding of the environmental deposit settings. The great palaeobiodiversity of Hamar Laghdad includes not only the skeletal record, but also ichnofossils. Both records indicate regional favourable environmental settings, characterised by local topography that varied over time and space, formed by several cold and hydrothermal seeps combined with sea-level fluctuations and currents.
Cenomanian deposits are well exposed in Lebanon and consist mainly of limestones that cover about 40% of the Lebanese territory. The sedimentary series is rich in fish fossils known from a distinct level in three outcrops dating from the Cenomanian: Haqel, Hjoula and Nammoura. These sites are known for the exceptional preservation of their fossil content. However, the stratigraphic assignment of the fossil-bearing level is controversial. We aim to address this controversy by measuring micropalaeontological samples we collected across facies outcropping at each of the three Konservat-Lagerstätten. The micropalaeontological inventory focusing on benthic and planktonic foraminifera identified at a family and a generic level and, where possible, at a specific level, is provided. Benthic foraminifers identified include Biokovinidae, Charentiidae, Cuneolinidae, Dicyclinidae, Mayncinidae, Nezzazatidae, Orbitolinidae, Spiroplectamminidae, Gavelinellidae, Alveolinoidea, Hauerinidae, Spiroloculinidae and other Miliolidae. Amongst the planktonic foraminifers, Hedbergellidae were identified (Globigerinelloididae, Heterohelicidae and Rotaliporidae). Additionally, several calcispheres were identified. Other biogenic components were identified, including rare dasycladalean algae, bryozoans, ostracods, echinoderms and bone debris. Overall, the microfossils indicate a middle Cenomanian age, based on the presence of Conicorbitolina conica and Favusella washitensis present within the Haqel and Hjoula Lagerstätten. The macrofossil assemblages consisting of echinoids and ammonites occurring above and/or below the Lagerstätten are surprisingly not in accordance with dating obtained by microfossils and give a late Cenomanian age for Haqel and Hjoula outcrops. In addition to the palaeontological studies, we conducted geochemical analyses to detect potential palaeoenvironmental signals. However, analysis of oxygen and carbon isotopes from the three outcrops did not recover any significant shifts across facies. Finally, an ichthyofauna inventory is compiled, based on data gathered from fieldwork and literature. The fish assemblage is unique, being the most speciose ever reported from the Mesozoic. The Haqel and Hjoula sites have approximately half of their species in common, while the Nammoura site has approximately 20% of its species in common with the other two localities. The comparison of the Lebanese fish faunas is discussed, as well as the origin of the Haqel and Hjoula assemblages. The geographically restricted sites of Haqel and Hjoula are tentatively interpreted as submerged sinkholes with favourable living conditions in the water column and with low-oxygen levels at the bottom that favoured the exceptional preservation of carcasses. The overlap of fish species across different beds representing distinct environments raises important palaeobiological and palaeoecological questions surrounding the Lebanese Lagerstätten.
Reptile faunas from the late middle Eocene of Europe are rare. Here, we report on lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodiles from the Lavergne locality in the Quercy Region (France). Reptiles here are diverse, represented by (at least) 16 taxa. Lizard assemblage consists of Gekkota, Pleurodonta, Scincidae, Lacertidae, Glyptosauridae, Anguidae and Palaeovaranidae. Snakes are represented by the enigmatic alethinophidian Platyspondylia sudrei, the ?tropidophiid Cadurceryx filholi, the pythonoid Palaeopython cadurcensis, the booids ?Eoconstrictor sp. and Dunnophis cadurcensis, an indeterminate potential russellophiid, whereas several remains are only identified as indeterminate alethinophidians. Besides squamates, Testudinoidea and Crocodylia are also present; because of the extreme rareness of the latter group in the Quercy area, we also describe here some additional crocodylian specimens from the “old collections” of Quercy. Scincids are firstly reported from Lavergne, including a new taxon, Lavergnesaurus lamarcki gen. et sp. nov. The fauna indicates a relatively warm temperature as demonstrated by thermophilic taxa. Lavergne yields a relatively similar (not identical) herpetofauna as Le Bretou (France) and Mazaterón (Spain). However, Lavergne and Le Bretou appear to be, based on current knowledge, more similar to each other when lizards and snakes are considered. Overall, the European MP 16 squamate fauna does not seem to be highly different from those of MP 14 or MP 17 and no faunal reorganisation or any significant extinction event can be recognised at the middle – late Eocene boundary in Europe. In fact, larger faunal changes are recognisable when early Eocene herpetofaunas are considered.
