A procolophonid-like tetrapod from the German Middle Triassic

A new find of a tetrapod mandible with unique teeth is reported from the Middle Triassic Lower Keuper. The outline of the dentary, morphology of the teeth and their emplacement suggest that the remain represents a new procolophonid parareptile. The abbreviated dentary, the high coronoid process, and the shape of the teeth resemble those of leptopleuronines. Unique features are the crown morphology, marked parallel striations, the possession of two similar, very large durophagous teeth, the edentulous anterior portion, and the lack of a coronoid suture. Thus, although the jaw resembles procolophonids in some features, it is argued that referral to this group needs recognition of more clearly established character-states, prompting the search for more complete material in the same deposits.