Ichniotherium, Pohlig, 1892

Moreau, Jean-David & Gand, Georges, 2022, New data on the Permian ecosystem of the Rodez Basin: ichnofauna (traces of protostomians, tetrapods and fishes), jellyfishes and plants from Banassac-Canilhac (Lozère, southern France), Geodiversitas 44 (31), pp. 975-987 : 981

Ichniotherium isp.

( Fig. 6 )

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Two tracks preserved as concave epireliefs and convex hyporeliefs on slabs M486_ 2022.1.4 A and M486_ 2022.1.4 B, respectively .

DESCRIPTION

The material includes a single pes/manus set ( Fig. 6A, B ). The tracks are medium sized and plantigrade. The pes track is pentadactyl and as long as wide to wider than long (PL = 5.8 cm, PW = 6.3 cm). The PL/PW ratio is equal to 0.9. On the pes track, digit impressions are only impressed distally, forming a rounded tip ( Fig. 6A, B ). The manus track is pentadactyl, smaller than pes track and wider than long (ML = 3.8 cm; MW = 5.2 cm; ML/MW = 0.7). Digit impressions increase in length from I to IV. Proximally digits show transverse and thin grooves. The divarication angle of digits I-V is 81°. On the manus track, digit imprints are short, large, straight and end in an enlarged rounded termination. Digits are more impressed distally. The impression of digit IV is the deepest. Both pes and manus tracks show a short and large sole that is distinctly separated from the digit impressions ( Fig. 6A, B ).

REMARKS

The presence of: 1) pentadactyl manus and pes tracks showing enlarged digit tips and large soles; 2) pes imprints as long as wide; and 3) manus imprints wider than long, are characteristic of Ichniotherium Pohlig, 1892 . This ichnogenus was reported from upper Carboniferous to lower Permian deposits of many localities throughout the world (e.g. Canada, Brink et al. 2012; France, Gand 1987; Germany, Voigt & Ganzelewski 2010; England, Buchwitz & Voigt 2018; Morocco, Lagnaoui et al. 2018; Poland, Voigt et al. 2012; United States, Voigt et al. 2005). In France, Ichniotherium was reported from the Lodève Basin ( Gand 1987; Gand & Durand 2006; Mujal & Marchetti 2020), the Rodez Basin ( Gand 1987) and the Saint-Affrique Basin ( Gand & Haubold 1984). Although Gand (1987) briefly mentioned Ichniotherium at Le Bousquet (based on the private collection of D. Naudin), he did not describe or illustrate the specimens.

Figures

FIG. 6. — Ichniotherium isp.:A, B, pes/manus set,photograph (A) and interpretative sketch (B). Convex hyporeliefs,M486_2022.1.4B.Abbreviations:p., pes track; m., manus track. Scale bars: 1 cm.