A new specimen of Hupehsuchus nanchangensis Young, 1972 (Diapsida, Hupehsuchia) from the Triassic of Hubei, China

Abstract

Hupehsuchus nanchangensis has been known from five specimens from the Triassic of China since its type was found in 1972. However, our knowledge of its morphology is still limited because of the poor preservation of the known specimens. This article aims to (1) update the morphological information of the animal on the basis of a new specimen from the same stratum of the type in the neighbouring Yuanan County, Hubei Province, China; (2) revise the diagnostic features of the animal and (3) make a detailed comparison to demonstrate if the members of Hupehsuchia are different from one another. Considering the body shape, the anatomy and relationships of those bones surrounding the orbit and temporal fenestrae, the sharply curved boomerang-shaped lateral elements of the gastralia, the semicircular scapula and bar-like ilium, Hupehsuchus nanchangensis can be easily distinguished from coeval Nanchangosaurus suni or Parahupehsuchus longus or Eohupehsuchus brevicollis. The body shape and limb morphology suggest that Hupehsuchus nanchangensis must have had a different mode of lifestyle from that of other three hupehsuchians.

Keywords::

• Hupehsuchia
• Diapsida
• Triassic
• Marine reptile
• China

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to ZMNH for allowing us to study ZMNH M8127. X.-c. Wu particularly thanks WGSC and Long Cheng (WGSC) for their hospitality during his visit and permitting access to specimens (WGSC 26005, WGSC 26004) and Ming Ding and Wen-jie Zhen of ZMNH for help during his visit. Two anonymous reviewers offered critical comments and suggestions which led to its great improvement.

Notes

^1. E-mail: [email protected]

^2. E-mail: [email protected]

^3. E-mail: [email protected]

^4. E-mail: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation [NNSFC-41172027] of China, Canadian museum of Nature [CMN-RCP09], ZMNH and Tokyo Gakugei University.