The taxonomy of the South African proterosuchids (Reptilia, Archosauromorpha)

ABSTRACT

Four different species belonging to three genera of South African proterosuchids have been described: Proterosuchus fergusi (Broom, 1903), Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni (Haughton, 1924), Elaphrosuchus rubidgei (Broom, 1946), and Chasmatosaurus alexandri (Hoffman, 1965). The specimens and descriptions suggest that all four are subjective synonyms for the same concept. The type specimen is specifically determinable and the senior synonym, Proterosuchus fergusi Broom, 1903, is selected as the valid name for the South African proterosuchid species. The diagnosis for the species includes features such as: the dentigerous borders of the premaxilla and maxilla form an angle of about 120 degrees; the palatal teeth are arranged in a specific pattern; the laterosphenoid is not reduced in its anterior development; and the epipterygoid is axe-shaped and has an anteroventral medial process.