Pelobatidae

Macropelobates linquensis (Yang, 1977)

Pelobatidae

Middle Miocene Shanwang FormationLinqu Shanwang, Shandong, China
Macropelobates linquensis (Yang, 1977), a Miocene amphibian fossil from Linqu Shanwang.
Photo 1 · Neotype of Macropelobates linquensis (IVPP V 7700) (from Roczek et al., 2011). A1, A2. Nearly complete skeleton on opposing rock faces; B. Pectoral girdle and forelimb bones; C. Posterior vertebral column and pelvic girdle bones
Family
Pelobatidae
Genus
Macropelobates
Authority
Roczek, Dong, Prikryl, Sun, Tan et Wang, 2011
Original combination
Bufo linquensis
Age
Middle Miocene Shanwang Formation
Locality
Linqu Shanwang, Shandong, China
Diagnosis
Large pelobatoid anuran. Cranial roof wide and short; presacral vertebrae procoelous; sacral diapophysis strongly expanded; possesses typical fossorial skeletal features: robust spade-like prehallux; tibiofibula shorter than femur; calcaneus and astragalus short. Distinguished from Pelobatidae by: paired frontoparietals (triradiate in Pelobates and Eopelobates); calcaneus and astragalus not fused; sacrum-urostyle joint single-condylar.
Remarks
Originally named Bufo linquensis by Yang (1977). Gao (1986) established M. cratus based on the same material, but this is a junior synonym. Roczek et al. (2011) corrected the nomenclatural history and designated IVPP V 7700 as neotype. The species shows adaptation for fossorial habits, being the earliest known fossorial anuran.
Figure caption
Neotype of Macropelobates linquensis (IVPP V 7700) (from Roczek et al., 2011). A1, A2. Nearly complete skeleton on opposing rock faces; B. Pectoral girdle and forelimb bones; C. Posterior vertebral column and pelvic girdle bones