Open Paleo

Archaeodontosaurus

Buffetaut, 2005 AHR-kay-o-DON-toe-SOR-us

From Greek 'archaios' meaning 'ancient', 'odous' (genitive 'odontos') meaning 'tooth', and 'sauros' meaning 'lizard'; meaning 'ancient-toothed lizard'

168.2–165.3 million years ago Bathonian, Middle Jurassic
Middle Jurassic stages

Archaeodontosaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic. Its fossils were found in the Isalo III Formation of Madagascar. The type species, Archaeodontosaurus descouensi, was described in September 2005. The specific name honors the collector, Didier Descouens. It is a probable sauropod, with prosauropod-like teeth. It may be a basal member of Gravisauria.

Diagnosis

  1. Dentary markedly deeper anteriorly than posteriorly, bearing at least 16 alveoli
  2. Teeth lanceolate with strong, well-defined denticles on anterior and posterior margins
  3. Teeth bearing a distinct lingual median ridge running from apex to base of crown
  4. Tooth enamel finely wrinkled
  5. Combination of advanced sauropod-type dentary with prosauropod-like lanceolate serrated teeth

Species

Archaeodontosaurus descouensi Buffetaut, 2005

Type species

Named for Didier Descouens, the collector of the fossil material.

Holotype
MHNDPal 2003-396 , Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Toulouse
Material
Incomplete right dentary containing several teeth
Horizon
Isalo IIIb Formation, Bathonian, Middle Jurassic , 168.2–165.3 million years ago
Locality
vicinity of Ambondromamy, Mahajanga, Madagascar

References

  1. Buffetaut, E. (2005). A new sauropod dinosaur with prosauropod-like teeth from the Middle Jurassic of Madagascar. Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France 176(5): 467-473. EDP Sciences. doi:10.2113/176.5.467 buffetaut2005a