Serpianosaurus mirigiolensis (Rieppel 1989, Middle Triassic) was originally considered a pachypleurosaurid with an unusually elongated rostrum. Here it nests at the base of the Thalattosauriformes.
Distinct from Anarosaurus, the skull of Serpianosaurus had a lower rostrum and larger orbit. The squamosal was reduced to a narrow angle atop the quadrate. The naris migrated posteriorly. The quadratojugal was lost. The mandible tip was straight.
The vertebral spines were taller before and after the pelvis. |
