Hauffiopteryx sp.

Maxwell, Erin E. & Cortés, Dirley, 2020, A revision of the Early Jurassic ichthyosaur Hauffiopteryx (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria), and description of a new species from southwestern Germany, Palaeontologia Electronica (a 31) 23 (2), pp. 1-43 : 17-18

Hauffiopteryx sp. , Figure 9

SMNS 81367, SMNS 80225, SMNS 81962, and SMNS 81965 are referable to Hauffiopteryx sp. , but the diagnostic portions of the skull are either not exposed or are damaged ( Figure 9 ).

SMNS 81367 ( Figure 9A ) is a small individual with the skull preserved in dorsolateral and the postcranium preserved in ventrolateral views. The specimen is clearly referable to Hauffiopteryx based on the small, round supratemporal fenestrae, the palmate morphology of the supratemporal, and the location of the parietal foramen anterior to the anterior edge of the supratemporal fenestra. Extensive reconstruction in the narial region prevents an accurate assessment of morphology and thus specific referral. This specimen was figured as H. typicus by Pardo-Pérez et al. (2019).

SMNS 80225 ( Figure 9B ) is a poorly preserved specimen prepared in ventrolateral view. The skull has been partially reconstructed. This specimen is referred to Hauffiopteryx sp. based on the number and posterior extent of the gastralia. Fragmentary pelvic elements suggest the absence of a robust ischiopubis, also consistent with Hauffiopteryx . This specimen was considered to be referable to H. typicus by Maisch (2008).

SMNS 81962 ( Figure 9C ) is preserved in ventral view. The anterior rostrum has been reconstructed. This specimen is referred to Hauffiopteryx based on the reniform outline of the quadrate in lateral view, palmate supratemporal, and the hind limb with digits converging distally.

MAXWELL & CORTÉS: REVISION OF HAUFFIOPTERYX

SMNS 81965 ( Figure 9D ) is also preserved in ventral view; the rostrum has been reconstructed. This specimen is considered to be referable to Hauffiopteryx based on the extensive development of gastralia, and the medially unfused ischium and pubis. An ossified hyoid corpus is present, a feature thusfar only observed in Hauffiopteryx among ichthyosaurs (Motani et al. 2013). SMNS 81965 was considered to be referable to H. typicus by Maisch (2008).

Figures

FIGURE 9. Hauffiopteryx sp. A, SMNS 81367; B, SMNS 80225; C, SMNS 81962; D, SMNS 81965. Photos © SMNS / M. Wahler.