Scapherpeton laticolle (Cope) Cope ED, 1876

Cope, E. D., 1876, On some extinct reptiles and batrachia from the Judith River and Fox Hills beds of Montana, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 28, pp. 340-359 : 356-357

Seapharpeton laticolle , sp. nov.

Vertebrae of several individuals of smaller size than those referred to the S. tectum differ in the less extensive development of the roof connecting the anterior zygapophyses, and the greater compression of the centrum,,ín consequence of the downward production of the inferior keel. The neural arch is openly notched between the anterior zygapophyses, but the notch is bounded by a recurved lamina distinct from the zygapophyses. The diapophyses are much as in S. tectum ; the ridge from the inferior portion of it is quite prominent, and includes with the base of the neural arch a deep fossa.

Accompanying a dorsal vertebra like those of this species, and probably belonging to the same skeleton, is an atlas of a more depressed form than those presumably belonging to the other species. The median tuberosity is well developed, constricted at the base, and much flattened. The condyloid facets are narrow and transverse.

Measurements,	M.
antero-posterior Diameter of dorsal Centrum {vertical transverse	.070.050.030
Width of the neural canal	.020
Vertical diameter of base of diapophysis	030

If it should appear that the dorsal vertebrae do not represent a species distinct from the S. tectum , the S. laticolle may rest on the atlas described.

The limb bone above mentioned is associated with the neural arch of a vertebra of the character ascribed to this species. Both extremities are eroded so as not to display the forms of the condyles, though almost the entire length is preserved. The trochanter is imperfect, but its base is that of a subcylindric process. The head of the bone is subtriangular, and the section of the distal end an oval with a flat side. The diameter contracts gradually to the middle.

Measurements.	M.
Length of bone	. 0150
proximally Diameter{medially distally	. 0036.0019. 0037

This bone is plainly that of a urodele salamander.