Procompsognathus triassicus E. Fraas, 1913

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

Procompsognathus triassicus E. Fraas, 1913

Holotype.

SMNS 12591 , partial postcranial skeleton comprising 14 dorsal and 13 caudal vertebrae, rib fragments, right scapula and coracoid, left radius, ulna, and three incomplete metacarpals, parts of both pubes, left femur, fragment of left tibia, and right hindlimb (Fig. 19 C ). None of the cranial material historically assigned to Procompsognathus triassicus belongs to this taxon ( Sereno and Wild 1992; Spiekman 2023).

Type locality.

“ Weisser Steinbruch ” near Pfaffenhofen, Heilbronn district, Baden-Württemberg.

Type horizon.

Middle Stubensandstein (S 2), Löwenstein Formation. Age: Late Triassic (Norian: Lacian-Alaunian).

Diagnosis.

Distinguished by the following combination of features: sigmoidal trochanteric shelf (shared with Coelophysis bauri ); preacetabular process of ilium deep dorsoventrally; prominent supraacetabular crest; and pubis flat anteroposteriorly and lacking distinct ‘ foot’ ( Ostrom 1981; Sereno and Wild 1992).

Comments.

Procompsognathus triassicus is closely related to Coelophysis bauri from Upper Triassic (Rhaetian) Chinle Formation of New Mexico and Segisaurus halli from the Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian-Toarcian) Navajo Sandstone of Arizona ( Sereno and Wild 1992).

References.

E. Fraas (1913), F. Huene (1921 b, 1932 b), Ostrom (1981), Sereno and Wild (1992), Rauhut and Hungerbühler (2000), Spiekman (2023).

Figures

Figure 19. Reptiles from the Middle Keuper Subgroup. A. Pseudosuchian Apatosuchus orbitoangulatus, holotype (SMNS 12353 b), disarticulated cranial bones. Scale bar: 1 cm. B. Plateosaurid sauropodomorph Plateosaurus trossingensis, holotype (SMNS 13200), skull in lateral view. Length of skull 33 cm. C. Coelophysid theropod Procompsognathus triassicus, holotype (SMNS 12591), partial postcranial skeleton in ventral view. Scale bar: 5 cm.