The skeleton of a newly discovered, exceptionally preserved specimen of Saniwa ensidens is described in detail. The fossil consists of a complete articulated skeleton exposed in dorsal view. It adds important additional information to our knowledge of the anatomy of this fossil varanoid taxon, including a detailed description of the dermatocranium in dorsal view, complete vertebral counts, and a detailed account of the appendicular skeleton. Cartilage preservation allows the identification of treacheal rings, sternum, inscriptional ribs, epicoracoid and suprascapula. Patches of skin are preserved on dermal skull bones, and scattered scales surround the entire skeleton. Incomplete ossification of carpal and tarsal elements, as well as of epiphyses, indicate that the specimen is not fully mature.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2007
THE ANATOMY OF THE FOSSIL VARANID LIZARD SANIWA ENSIDENS, BASED ON A NEWLY DISCOVERED COMPLETE SKELETON
OLIVIER RIEPPEL,
LANCE GRANDE
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
![](/ContentImages/journals/pleo/81/4/4/WebImages/00223360-81.4.cover.jpg)
Journal of Paleontology
Vol. 81 • No. 4
July 2007
Vol. 81 • No. 4
July 2007