Proterochersis limendorsa ( Szczygielski & Sulej, 2016 )

Sues, Hans-Dieter & Schoch, Rainer R., 2025, Synopsis of the Triassic reptiles from Germany, Fossil Record 28 (2), pp. 411-483 : 411-483

Proterochersis limendorsa ( Szczygielski & Sulej, 2016)

Holotype.

SMNS 17757 , partial skeleton comprising part of the carapace, most of the plastron, pelvis, right scapulocoracoid, and portions of vertebral column associated with shell.

Type locality.

Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg.

Type horizon.

Lower Stubensandstein (S 1), Löwenstein Formation. Middle Keuper Subgroup. Age: Late Triassic (Norian: Lacian).

Diagnosis.

Distinguished from Proterochersis robusta and P. porebensis (from the Keuper of Poland) by the following features: absence of supernumerary anterior marginals; presence of serrated anterior marginals; narrow dorsal contact between cervical and marginal I; anteromedially extending lateral sulcus of vertebral I; distinctly thickened bone near posterior margins of vertebrals II – IV; and cervical VIII not co-ossified with carapace ( Szczygielski and Sulej 2016; Joyce 2017).

Comments.

Joyce et al. (2013) identified this specimen as Proterochersis robusta . Later Joyce (2017) supported its specific distinction from Proterochersis robusta proposed by Szczygielski and Sulej (2016) but argued that there was no need for a separate genus “ Keuperotesta ” for Proterochersis limendorsa .

References.

Joyce et al. (2013), Szczygielski and Sulej (2016), Joyce (2017).