Taxonomic and anatomical comments on “ Traversodon (?) major ” von Huene, 1936 (Cynodontia) from the Middle Triassic of Brazil
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Traversodontids were diverse non-mammaliaform cynodonts that occupied herbivorous and omnivorous niches during the Middle and Late Triassic. In Brazil, they are particularly well represented in the Santa Maria Supersequence, although the taxonomic status of some historically described taxa remains uncertain. Among them, "Traversodon(?) major" von Huene, 1936 was established on the basis of isolated cranial, mandibular, and postcranial remains from the Chiniquá region of southern Brazil. Here, we reassess the anatomy and taxonomic affinities of the specimens historically assigned to this species. A left maxilla (GPIT-PV-61005, here designated as lectotype) is the most informative specimen. It exhibits a combination of a broad maxillary platform, a maxillary recess, and strongly shouldered postcanine alveoli, supporting traversodontid affinities but not the original assignment to the genus Traversodon. These features are typical of deeply nested gomphodontosuchines, but do not form a unique combination of diagnostic characters that would allow a confident referral to any particular genus. The remaining specimens have no association or anatomical overlap with the lectotype and are here treated independently: the mandibular fragment is referred to Traversodontidae indet., the humerus to Eucynodontia indet., and the scapulocoracoid to an indeterminate non-cynodont amniote. Accordingly, "Traversodon(?) major" is retained as a nomen dubium: its lectotype lacks autapomorphies, and the remaining specimens cannot be reliably referred to the same taxon.
Source: The Anatomical Record
DOI: 10.1002/ar.70385
Authors: Leonardo Kerber, Ingmar Werneburg
Language: English
Subfield: Paleontology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,430
OpenAlex ID: W7225315016