Article: New Triassic sphenodontids from south-west England and a review of their classification
Publication: Palaeontology
Volume:
29
Part:
1
Publication Date:
January
1986
Page(s):
165
–
186
Author(s):
N. C. Fraser
Abstract
Two new genera of Triassic sphenodontid are described. Sigmala sigmala gen. et sp. nov. and Pelecymala robustus gen. et sp. nov. occur in fissure deposits in Cromhall Quarry, south Gloucestershire. They are based entirely on dissociated jaw elements. Five sphenodontid genera have now been described from this locality and they permit a review of sphenodontid systematics. Based principally on dental morphology, an updated classification of the Sphenodontidae is offered. Five subfamilies are recognized: namely the Polysphenodontinae, Brachyrhinodontinae, Sphenodontinae, Homoeosaurinae, and Eilenodontinae.