Archaeonectrus

Genus

Archaeonectrus

Author

Novozhilov, 1964

Classification

Sauropterygia
Eosauropterygia
Eusauropterygia
Pistosauria
Plesiosauria
Pliosauroidea
Rhomaleosauridae

Age

Sinemurian, Lower Jurassic

Location

Charmouth, Dorset, England

Type species

Archaeonectrus rostratus

Other species

None

Referred material

To compile

The genus Archaeonectrus was proposed by Novozhilov (1964) for ‘Plesiosaurus’ rostratus, a species named by Owen (1865). By modern standards, Owen’s (1865) original description is rather inadequate. One notable characteristic of Archaeonectrus rostratus is the relatively small size of the limbs relative to its body. It has been classified as a pliosauroid, sometimes within the Rhomaleosauridae. Archaeonectrus rostratus is the type and only species of this genus.

Skeleton of Archaeonectrus. Lithograph from Owen (1865).

Archaeonectrus rostratus

Species

A. rostratus

Author

(Owen, 1865)

Classification

Sauropterygia
Eosauropterygia
Eusauropterygia
Pistosauria
Plesiosauria
Pliosauroidea
Rhomaleosauridae
Archaeonectrus

Age

Sinemurian, Lower Jurassic

Type location

Charmouth, Dorset, England

Type specimen

BMNH 38525, complete articulated skeleton including skull preserved in dorsal view

Referred material

-