New data on the morphology of the Late Permian gliding reptile Coelurosauravus elivensis Piveteau

Abstract

© 2015, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. Based on the material from the type locality (Eliva Mountain, Madagascar), the cranial morphology of the Late Permian gliding reptile Coelurosauravus elivensis Piveteau, 1926 (Weigeltisauridae) is redescribed. The diagnosis of the genus Coelurosauravus is emended based on comparisons with East European weigeltisaurids of the genus Rautiania. It is shown that C. elivensis and all weigeltisaurids lack the postfrontals and supratemporals and have a small preorbital fenestra between the maxilla and nasal, partially reduced lacrimal, and large nasolacrimal duct piercing the prefrontal. The poor development of ornamental outgrowths on the parietal and in the ventral part of the squamosal as well as the small size of studied individuals of C. elivensis are caused by their juvenile age.