Desmatosuchus

Desmatosuchus haplocerus from the Upper Triassic in Texas

• North America

• Desmatosuchus haplocerus
• Desmatosuchus spurensis (type)
• Desmatosuchus smalli

Desmatosuchus is an extinct genus of archosaurs and belonged to the order of Aetosauria. With a length of 5 m and a height of 1.5 m, it was one of the largest Aetosaurier. Its weight is estimated at 1 t. They found his remains in the Dockum layers of New Mexico and Texas (USA).

Features

Desmatosuchus had small, leaf -shaped teeth which show him to be herbivores. With its blunt, pointing upward, pigs snout like he might have dug for roots. The body was well armored by dermal bones. These armor plates covered his entire top and also included tail and belly with. In addition Desmatosuchus had on the sides of his back spines, the two copies to the shoulders were long up to 45 cm. This provided him with additional protection in the defense against predators, they could also have served the demonstration against conspecifics.

Species

Two species are currently recognized: D. spurensis and D. smalli. Desmatosuchus chamaensis is considered a separate genus, however, is debated whether the name Heliocanthus or Rioarribasuchus to be used.

In popular culture

Desmatosuchus appeared in the documentation by the Discovery Channel When Dinosaurs Roamed America.