Lycosuchus

Lycosuchus ("wolf crocodile") is an extinct genus of carnivorous therocephalians which lived in the Middle Permian 265—260 Ma existing for approximately 5 million years. It was a medium-sized predator, reaching 1.2 m (3.8 ft) in length with a skull 23 cm long.[1]

Head

Lycosuchus
Temporal range: Middle Permian, 265–260 Ma
Lycosuchus sp. skull at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Therapsida
Suborder: Therocephalia
Family: Lycosuchidae
Genus: Lycosuchus
Broom, 1903
Species
  • L. mackayi
  • L. vanderrieti

Discovered in South Africa, it was named by paleontologist Robert Broom in 1903 and later assigned by him to Therocephalia.

See also

Notes and references

  1. T.S. Kemp (2005) The origin and evolution of mammals p.55
  • R. Broom (1913) A revision of the reptiles of the Karroo. Annals of the South African Museum 7(6):361-366


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