Lariosaurus
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| Lariosaurus Fossil range: Mid Triassic |
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 Lariosaurus balsami
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Lariosaurus is an extinct genus of sauropterygian reptile from the Triassic period, belonging to the nothosaur order. With a length of 60 cm (2 ft), it was one of the smallest representatives of the group. It was named in 1847 by Curioni, its name meaning Lizard from Lake Lario.
For a nothosaur, Lariosaurus was primitive, possessing a short neck and small flippers in comparison to its relatives. It is presumed to have spent lots of time on dry land, or hunting in shallows. The nothosaur Eupodosaurus, initially classified as a stegosaurian dinosaur, is now considered synonymous with Lariosaurus.
Lariosaurus is unique among nothosaurs due to its front legs being adapted into paddles, yet the back legs remained five-toed. Another noteworthy adaptation of Lariosaurus is that based on skeletal findings of immature Lariosaurs inside the adults, Lariosaurus is believed by many to be viviparous, or able to bear live young. Another Lariosaur skeleton was found with two juvenile placodonts of the Cyamodus genus in its stomach, giving a strong indication to the small Nothosaurs diet.
[edit] References
- Dixon, Dougal (2006). The Complete Book of Dinosaurs. Hermes House.
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