Mycterosaurus

Extinct genus of tetrapods

Mycterosaurus (Greek as mykter/mykteros meaning nose/snout, sauros meaning “lizard”) is an extinct genus of amniotes belonging to the family Varanopidae. It is classified in the varanopid subfamily Mycterosaurinae. Mycterosaurus is the most primitive member of its family, existing from 290.1 to 272.5 MYA, known to Texas and Oklahoma. The number of valid Mycterosaurus species have varied over the years, with a total of two classifications of Mycterosaurus longiceps However, recent analysis has led to a re description of Mycterosaurus smithae.

Both the holotype and AMNH 7002 “Eumatthevia” have been studied and restudied, with additions and modifications to the cranial description. The nares and orbit of Mycterosaurus are unusually large, with the orbit directed outwardly and circular in manner. The prevomers presented with a longitudinal row of small teeth and were long and slender in character.

Very little has been postulated or hypothesized about the paleobiology of Mycterosaurus due to the small amounts of poorly preserved and incomplete fossil evidence. However, Mycterosaurus is known to be a small, agile faunivore that likely fed off the likes of insects. Possessing a highly mobile mesotarsal joint, Mycterosaurus ambulated with a semi digitigrade stance. The Clyde Formation is less known and studied in comparison to other Formations within the Clear Fork Group, such as that of the Arroyo formation. However, the Clyde formation where Mycterosaurus longiceps was discovered appears to present a similar fauna assemblage. This includes Captorhinus, Labidosaurus, Pantylus, Seymouria, Varanops, Casea, as well as several large species of Dimetrodon and Edaphosaurus.