How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2014 Mosasaurine Mosasaurs (Squamata, Mosasauridae) from Northern Italy
Alessandro Palci, Michael W. Caldwell, Cesare A. Papazzoni, Eliana Fornaciari
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A review of the remains of mosasaurine mosasaurs from the upper Campanian—Maastrichtian of Italy is provided. The first discoveries of mosasaur material from Italy are represented by a series of isolated teeth from the Scaglia Rossa Formation north of Vittorio Veneto (late Campanian). These teeth show some similarities to Prognathodon, Liodon, and Eremiasaurus, but are not identical and probably represent a new taxon. A partial mosasaur skull found south of Reggio Emilia in 1886 is potentially a new species of Mosasaurus, although more material is needed to support this possibility. This specimen is temporarily referred to M. cf. hoffmanni. A second fragmentary mosasaur skull was accidentally discovered in 1892 north of Verona during the demolition of a school (inside one of the building stones). Based on its general morphology, size, and dentition, this second specimen can be considered as very closely related to M. hoffmanni, but its older age (early—middle Maastrichtian) suggests that it likely represents a new species of Mosasaurus. We refrain from erecting new taxonomic names for these specimens pending the discovery of new, more complete material upon which satisfactory diagnoses can be based. The paleobiogeographic distribution of Mosasaurus hoffmanni, M. cf. hoffmanni, M. beaugei, Liodon, and Prognathodon is reviewed briefly.

© 2014 by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Alessandro Palci, Michael W. Caldwell, Cesare A. Papazzoni, and Eliana Fornaciari "Mosasaurine Mosasaurs (Squamata, Mosasauridae) from Northern Italy," Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 34(3), 549-559, (1 May 2014). https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2013.826235
Received: 19 December 2012; Accepted: 1 July 2013; Published: 1 May 2014
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top