Lycaenops

A number of species of Lycaenops have been described. The best known is L. ornatus from South Africa, the type species for which an almost complete skeleton has been excavated. L. angusticeps, also from South Africa is characterized by a long and slender snout. L. quadrata (formerly Dixeya quadrata) from Malawi is known from an incomplete skull, L. sollasi is only from a snout. L. attenuatus (= Aelurognathus cf serratidens) is known from an extremely laterelly compressed skull.

Lycaenops was a medium sized mammal-like reptile, probably reaching lengths of 1.7 meter. In geological terms Lycaenops only lived for a short time span during the late Permian. Note on the images to the side the nicely pointed canine teeth, these teeth would have been ideal for stabbing or tearing the flesh of prey that it may have come up against.

I

Name

Lycaenops ornatus

Authority

Broom, 1925

Meaning of generic name

Wolf face

Size

Length: 1.7 m, Skull length: 29 cm

Remains

Holotype (AMNH 2240): Nearly complete skeleton

Referred specimens: BPI 260, BPI 334, RC 147, RC 148

Age and Distribution

Horizon: Cistecephalus Assemblage Zone, Beaufort Group, Upper Permian (Wuchiapingian).

Locality: South Africa.

Classification

Synapsida Therapsida Gorgonopsia Gorgonopsidae

Further Reading

Broom, R., 1925, On some new Carnivorus therapsids: Records of the Albany Museum, v. 3, p. 309-326.

Sigogneau, D., 1970. Revision Systematique des Gorgonopsiens Sud-Africains: Cahiers de Paleontologie, 414pp.

Gebauer E., 2007. Phylogeny and Evolution of the Gorgonopsia with a Special Reference to the Skull and Skeleton of GPIT/RE/7113, doctoral dissertation.

Images of L. ornatus by Tobu Namura (click to enlarge)

version a:

version b:

II

Name

Lycaenops angusticeps

Authority

(Broom, 1913)

Size

Length: 2 m, Skull length: 30 cm

Remains

Holotype (AMNH 5537):

Referred specimens: AMNH 5535

Age and Distribution

Horizon: Cistecephalus Assemblage Zone, Beaufort Group, Upper Permian (Wuchiapingian).

Locality: South Africa.

Classification

Synapsida Therapsida Gorgonopsia Gorgonopsidae

Further Reading

Broom, R., 1913, On a nearly perfect skull of a new species of the gorgonopsia: Annals of the South African Museum, v. 12, part 1, p. 8-10.

Sigogneau, D., 1970. & Gebauer E., 2007. As above.

Synonyms

Scymnognathus minor Broom, 1913, Lycaenoides angusticeps Broom, 1925, Scymnognathus minor Broom, 1913