Chunerpeton tianyiensis Gao et Shubin, 2003

Cryptobranchidae

posteriorly, palatal fenestra retained between vomers; pterygoid with distinct medial process, pterygoid not contacting parasphenoid; second basibranchial ossified and anchor-shaped, distal ends of first three rib pairs spoon-shaped. Distinguished from other Chinese Mesozoic urodels by: vomerine tooth row close to and parallel to maxillary arch; first and second hypobranchials and second basibranchial ossified; three pairs of external gills and ossified gill rakers; 15-16 presacral vertebrae (15 in holotype); scapulocoracoid coracoid end slightly expanded, rhomboid; carpals and tarsals unossified; manus digital formula 2-2-3-2, pes pedal formula 2-2-3-(3/4)-3.

Remark This species was established by Gao and Shubin (2003) based on four specimens from Daohugou, Inner Mongolia. Species name derived from the ancient name 'Tianyi' of Ningcheng County; holotype total length approximately 160 mm, plus three referred specimens. However, according to ICZN Article 72.4.5, the three other specimens published in the same paper (PKU PV 0210- 0212) should also belong to the type series, and specimens in the type series other than the holotype should be designated as paratypes. Therefore, this book changes these three specimens from referred specimens as originally designated to paratypes.

Holotype of Chunerpeton tianyiensis [(IGCAGS) CAGS-IG-02051], skeletal view