Sphenovipera

Sphenovipera jimmysjoyi is an extinct species of sphenodontian dated from the Middle Jurassic.[1][2] If was discovered in the lower part of the La Boca Formation located in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[1] Only the lower jaw of this organism has been discovered and studied.[1] It is possibly the only species of rhynchocephalian yet discovered to show evidence of venom delivery.[1]

Sphenovipera
Temporal range: Middle Jurassic[1]
A silhouette showing the jaw of Sphenovipera in medial view
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Rhynchocephalia
Family: Sphenodontidae
Genus: †Sphenovipera
Reynoso, 2005[1]
Species
  • †S. jimmysjoyi Reynoso, 2005

Etymology

Sphenovipera was named by Reynoso in 2005. The name alludes to sphenodontians via Spheno- and -vipera is Latin for "venomous snake."[1]

Venom delivery

The mandible of Sphenovipera jimmysjoyi has several characteristics indicative of venom delivery. This includes large curved fangs with grooves seen in other animals that use low-pressure venom delivery, such as colubrid snakes.[1]

References
  1. Reynoso, Victor-Hugo (September 2005). "Possible evidence of a venom apparatus in a Middle Jurassic Sphenodontian from the Huizachal Red Beds of Tamaulipas, Mexico". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 25 (3): 646–654. doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2005)025[0646:PEOAVA]2.0.CO;2.
  2. "†Sphenovipera Reynoso 2005". Paleobiology Database. Fossilworks. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
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