Storchodon, Martin & Averianov & Jäger & Schwermann & Oliver & Wings, 2019

Martin, Thomas, Averianov, Alexander O., Jäger, Kai R. K., Schwermann, Achim H. & Wings, Oliver, 2019, A Large Morganucodontan Mammaliaform From The Late Jurassic Of Germany, Fossil Imprint 75 (3 - 4), pp. 504-509 : 505

Genus Storchodon gen. nov.

T y p e s p e c i e s. Storchodon cingulatus sp. nov.

E t y m o l o g y. The genus is named after the German palaeomammalogist Gerhard Storch (1939 – 2017) and Ancient Greek ὀδούς (tooth).

D i f f e r e n t i a l d i a g n o s i s. The new taxon is referred to the Morganucodonta because of the longitudinally aligned main cusps, the small height difference between the central cusp A and the side cusps B and C, and the presence of a well-defined lingual cingulum. In crown mammals with longitudinally aligned main cusps on the molars ( Eutriconodonta ) the central cusp is significantly larger than the side cusps ( Amphilestidae , Gobiconodontidae ), or the main cusps are of equal height but labiolingually compressed and sectorial ( Triconodontidae ). Furthermore, in Storchodon gen. nov. and Morganucodonta in general the lingual cingulum is cuspate and generally stronger than in Eutriconodonta . Differs from Morganucodon KÜHNE, 1949 by more erect main cusps, large size of cusp C, a less reduced cusp B, cusp D not being cingular, the lack of an upper molar interlock between cusps D and E-F, and by being considerably larger than Morganucodon watsoni (size difference to M. oehleri less pronounced). Differs from Helvetiodon CLEMENS, 1980 , Bridetherium CLEMENS, 2011 and Paceyodon CLEMENS, 2011 by proportionally larger side cusps. Differs from Indotherium YADAGIRI, 1984 by an unreduced cusp B and a cuspidate cingulum. Differs from Indozostrodon DATTA et DAS, 2001 by an unreduced cusp C, a cuspidate cingulum and a continuous buccal cingulum. Differs from Megazostrodon CROMPTON et JENKINS, 1968 by larger side cusps and a complete buccal cingulum with smaller cuspules. Differs from Brachyzostrodon SIGOGNEAU- RUSSELL, 1983 and Wareolestes FREEMAN, 1979 by larger side cusps and lack of enamel sculpture. Differs from Dinnetherium JENKINS, CROMPTON et DOWNS, 1983 by much larger side cusps and continuous buccal and lingual cingula. By the relative height of the erect cusps, the new taxon is most similar to Erythrotherium CROMPTON, 1964 . Differs from Erythrotherium by non-coalesced cusps A and C, cusp D not being cingular, a higher number of cingular cusps, a labiolingually wider crown, and the lack of an upper molar interlock between cusps D and E-F.