Type species

Peligrochelys walshae Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013

Peligrochelys walshae Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013
Figures 2–10

2013

Peligrochelys walshae Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013, p. 839, figs. 4–9.

Figure 2.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of the skull roof MPEF-PV 10832 in (1) dorsal view; (2) ventral view; (3) anterior view; (4) right lateral view; (5) posterior view; (6) left lateral view. Black, continuous lines indicate natural borders and sutures. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Gray thick lines indicate scute sulci. Diagonal pattern indicate broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Scale bar represents 5 cm. Abbreviations: A, D, F, G, H, J, X, XY, Y, skull roof scutes; fr, frontal; orb, orbit; pa, parietal; po, postorbital; prf, prefrontal; s, suture; sju, suture with jugal; sna, suture with nasal; spo, suture with postorbital; sprf, suture with prefrontal.

Figure 3.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of (1) skull remains of right jugal (MPEF-PV 10833) in right lateral view; (2) right jugal in medial view; (3) left quadratojugal (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral view; (4) left quadratojugal in medial view; (5) right premaxilla (MPEF-PV 10832) in anterior view; (6) right premaxilla in posterior view; (7) left maxilla (MPEF-PV 10916) in left lateral view; (8) left maxilla in medial view; (9) left maxilla in ventral view; (10–14) right quadrate (MPEF-PV 10831) (10) in anterior view; (11) in right lateral view; (12) in posterior view; (13) in medial view; (14) in ventral view. Scale bars represent 3 cm in (1–9), 5 cm in (10–14). Abbreviations: ane, apertura narium externa; cc, canalis cavernosus; cm, condylus mandibularis; cst, canalis stapedio temporalis; ct, cavum tympani; ctm, cavum tympani margin; E, J1, J3, skull roof scutes; ica, incisura columella auris; lr, labial ridge; orb, orbit; ow, otic wall; pto, processus trochlearis oticum; sju, suture with jugal; smx, suture with maxilla; sop, suture with opisthotic; spmx, suture with premaxilla; spo, suture with postorbital; spro, suture with prootic; sqj, suture with quadratojugal; squ, suture with quadrate; ssq, suture with squamosal; vf, vascular foramen.

Figure 4.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of skull remains of left opisthotic, left exoccipital, and a fragment of the left quadrate (MPEF-PV 10832) in (1) posterior view; (2) ventral view; (3) medial view; basioccipital (MPEF-PV 10916) in (4) ventral view; (5) dorsal view; (6) anterior view; (7) posterior view; (8) left lateral view; prootic (MPEF-PV 10902) in (9) anterior view; (10) anteromedial view; (11) medial view; (12) posterior view; (13) dorsal view; (14) ventral view; basisphenoid (MPEF-PV 10833) in (15) ventral view; (16) dorsal view. Black, continuous lines indicate natural borders and sutures. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Gray thick lines indicate scute sulci. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Scale bar represents 3 cm. Abbreviations: acst, aditus canalis stapedio temporalis; btb, basis tuberculi basalis; cl, cavum labyrinthicum; cc, canalis cavernosus; ccc, canalis carotici cerebralis; co, condilus occipitalis; csa, canalis semicircularis anterius; csh, canalis semicircularis horizontalis; ct, cavum tympani; exo, exoccipital; faf, fossa acustico-facialis; fja, foramen jugulare anterius; fjp, foramen jugulare posterius; fo, fenestra ovalis; fp, foramen prootic; op, opisthotic; pi, processus interfenestralis; pto, processus trochlearis oticum; qu, quadrate; sbs, suture with basisphenoid; sop, sutures with opisthotic; spro, suture with prootic; spt, suture with pterygoid; squ, suture with quadrate; ssq, suture with squamosal; to, tubera occipitalis; VII, VIII, IX, XII, cranial nerves.

Figure 5.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of left dentary of lower jaw (MPEF-PV 10832) in (1) left lateral view; (2) dorsal view; right dentary (MPEF-PV 10902) in (3) lateral view; (4) medial view; (5) dorsal view; (6) ventral view; left postdentary bones (MPEF-PV 10910) in (7) lateral view; (8) posterior view; (9) medial view; (10) anterior view; (11) dorsal view; (12) ventral view. Black, continuous lines, natural borders and sutures. Black, dashed lines, broken edges. Diagonal pattern, broken bone. Spotted pattern, sediment. Scale bar represents 3 cm. Abbreviations: aam, area articularis mandibularis; cp, coronoid process; fact, foramen anterius chorda tympani; fai, foramen alveolaris inferius; fic, foramen intermandibularis caudalis; fnat, foramen nervi auriculo temporalis; fpct, foramen posterius chorda tympani; lr, labial ridge; scm, sulcus cartilaginis meckelii; scor, suture with coronoid; sden, suture with dentary; sspl, suture with splenial; ts, triturating surface; vf, vascular foramen.

Figure 6.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of nuchal (MPEF-PV 10834) in (1) dorsal view; (2) visceral view; (3) neural indet. (MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal view; (4) neural indet. (MPEF-PV 10833) in dorsal view; (5) peripheral 1 (MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal view. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Scale bar represents 3 cm. Abbreviations: CE, cervical scute; MA, marginal scute; orn, ornamentation.

Figure 7.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of (1) the left neural arch of the atlas (MPEF-PV 10832) in medial, anterior, lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (2) neural arch of cervical vertebra 3 (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (3) cervical vertebra 4 (MPEF-PV 10913) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (4) cervical vertebra 5 (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (5) neural arch of cervical vertebra 7 (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views. Scale bars are 1 cm (1) and 3 cm (2–5). Black, continuous lines indicate natural borders and sutures. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Abbreviations: acaf, atlas centrum articular facet; aiaf, atlas intercentrum articular facet; coaf, condylus occipitalis articular facet; dip, diapophysis; mat, muscular attachment; nec, neural crest; nc, neural canal; pap, parapophysis; prz, prezygapophysis; pz, postzygapophysis; tp, transverse process; vcr, ventral crest.

Figure 8.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of (1) sacral vertebra 12 (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (2) caudal vertebra 1 (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (3) anterior caudal vertebra (MPEF-PV 10831) in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views; (4) posterior caudal vertebra in left lateral, anterior, right lateral, posterior, dorsal, and ventral views. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Scale bar represents 3 cm. Abbreviations: ca, chevron articulation; nec, neural crest; nc, neural canal; prz, prezygapophysis; pz, postzygapophysis; sc, sacral centrum; tp, transverse process.

Figure 9.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of (1) right scapula (MPEF-PV 10831) in anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial views; (2) right scapula in dorsal and ventral views; (3) left humerus (proximal end = MPEF-PV 10915, distal end = MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal, anterior, ventral, and posterior views; (4) left humerus (proximal end = MPEF-PV 10915, distal end = MPEF-PV 10831) in proximal and distal views; (5) distal end of left radius (MPEF-PV 10835) in dorsal, lateral, ventral, medial, and distal views; (6) metacarpal (MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal, lateral, ventral, and medial views; (7) metacarpal (MPEF-PV 10831) in proximal and distal views. Scale bar represents 3 cm. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Abbreviations: a, acromion; dp, dorsal process of the scapula; ecc, ectepicondylar canal; ect, ectepicondyle; ent, entopicondyle; gl, glenoid; hh, humeral head; lp, lateral process; mp, medial process; r-ul, radio-ulna ligament; sco, suture with coracoid; sh, shoulder.

Figure 10.

Peligrochelys walshae from the Salamanca Formation, Danian, Chubut Province, Argentina. Pictures and drawings of (1) right femur (MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal, posterior, ventral, anterior, and proximal views; (2) distal end of left tibia (MPEF-PV 10831) in dorsal, medial, lateral, ventral, and distal views; (3) left astragalocalcaneum (MPEF-PV 10831) in anterior, lateral, posterior, medial, proximal, and distal views; (4) osteoderm (MPEF-PV 10834) in dorsal and visceral views. Black, dashed lines indicate broken edges. Diagonal pattern indicates broken bone. Spotted pattern indicates sediment. Scale bars represent 3 cm (1) and (2–4). Abbreviations: afi, articulation with fibula; ati, articulation with tibia; fh, femoral head; itf, intertrochanteric fossa; tma, trochanter major; tmi, trochanter minor.

Holotype

MACN–PV CH 2017, several skull bones (basisphenoid, basioccipital, right quadrate, right prootic, left opisthotic, a fragment of the right opisthotic, left exoccipital, right frontal, both postorbitals, fragment of left maxilla, fragments of both squamosals and other skull roof) and a left prezygapophysis.

Emended diagnosis

Peligrochelys walshae belongs to the clade Testudinata because it has a complete carapace and plastron enclosing the pectoral girdle. It differs from the basal members of Testudinata (taxa outside Perichelydia clade) by the reduction of the processus interfenestralis of the opisthotic, absence of the processus basitrabecularis, and an enclosed canalis cavernosus. Peligrochelys walshae is referred to the clade Meiolaniformes by the large exposure of the prefrontal in the skull roof, the lack of frontal contribution to the orbit, presence of protuberances in the squamosal, and formed cervical and caudal vertebrae. It is also a member of the Meiolaniformes showing the unique combination of the following characters (autapomorphies are marked with asterisks): skull roof covered by scales; presence of XY scale*; pentagonal frontal; presence of a posterior wall separating the fossa orbitalis from the fenestra temporalis inferior; jugal forming part of the triturating surface; cheek not emarginated; quadratojugal forming the anteroventral rim of the cavum tympani; presence of a processus trochlearis oticum; cavum tympani well developed; thick basicranium; presence of two concavities in the basioccipital delimited by the well-developed tubera basioccipitalis*; foramina carotici cerebralis posterior located close together; absence of a foramen posterior canalis carotici interni; foramen carotici cerebralis anterior united forming a slit*; paired pits present in the basisphenoid and developing posteriorly reaching the basioccipital; long symphysis in the dentary; only labial and lingual ridges present in dentary; no ridges in the triturating surface of the symphysis; fused postdentary bones; short processus retroarticularis; nuchal notch reaching peripheral 1; formed cervical and caudal vertebrae; differs from Ka. bajazidi and Naomichelys speciosa Hay, Reference Hay1908 because of anterior caudal vertebrae are opisthocoelous and the posterior caudal vertebrae are procoelous, and due to the shape of the basioccipital. It can be distinguished from Patagoniaemys gasparinae Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011b, Mongolochelys efremovi Khosatzky, Reference Khosatzky1997, Chubutemys copelloi Gaffney et al., Reference Gaffney, Rich, Vickers-Rich, Constantine, Vacca and Kool2007, and Niolamia argentina, Ameghino, Reference Ameghino1899 by the presence of a short anterior process of postorbital forming the posteriormost margin of the orbit. Peligrochelys walshae shares with Pa. gasparinae and Mo. efremovi the presence of a wide and short, trapezoidal nuchal.

Occurrence

Several sites in the vicinity of the Punta Peligro locality (Fig. 1), Chubut Province, Argentina. Banco Negro Inferior level of the Salamanca Formation (Lesta and Ferrello, Reference Lesta, Ferello and Leanza1972), Danian (lower Paleocene) (Clyde et al., Reference Clyde, Wilf, Iglesias, Slingerland, Barnum, Bijl, Bralower, Brinkhuis, Comer, Huber and Ibañez-Mejia2014). For more information about the Salamanca Formation see Sterli and de la Fuente (Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013).

Remarks

Many cranial and postcranial materials of additional specimens referred to P. walshae, here described, allow us to expand the diagnosis of this species, previously only known by cranial remains represented by the holotype and three referred specimens.

Skull morphology

Using the 3D reconstruction of the skull (based on several specimens), we estimate that the length of the skull was ~9.5 cm and the width was 13 cm. Skull remains are described in the following paragraphs and are illustrated in Figures 2–4.

Scales

The dermal bones of P. walshae were covered with scales. Scales are recognized in specimens MPEF-PV 10831, 10832–10834, and 10913. Paired scales D, E, F1, F2, F3, F4, G, H, J1, J2, and J3 and uneven scales A, X, Y, XY, and Z are recognized (Figs. 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3).

Regarding paired scales, part of scale D (MPEF-PV 10832) is preserved on the parietal. Its preserved contacts are the anteromedial with scale X and the posteromedial with scale A. Part of scale E is preserved on the jugal (MPEF-PV 10833). It contacted scales J1 anteriorly and J3 ventrally. More details are not apparent. Scale F1 (MPEF-PV 10832) covers mainly the postorbital and a small piece of the frontal. It contacts scale F4 anteriorly, Y medially, G posteromedially, H posteriorly, F3 laterally, and a small part of F2 posterolaterally. Scale F2 (MPEF-PV 10832) is located on the postorbital. It contacts F3 anteriorly, H medially, and a small part of F1 anterolaterally. No other contacts of F2 are preserved. Scale F3 (MPEF-PV 10832) is a small scale surrounded by F1 dorsally, F2 posteriorly, and J2 ventrally. Scale F4 is situated on the prefrontal and frontal (MPEF-PV 10832). It contacts F1 posterolaterally and Y posteromedially. The remaining contacts are not preserved. Only the anteriormost part of scale G is preserved on the frontal (MPEF-PV 10832). This scale contacts scale Y anteriorly, F1 anterolaterally, H laterally, and XY scale medially. The remaining contacts are not preserved. Scale H is preserved on the postorbital (MPEF-PV 10832). The preserved contacts of scale H are with F1 anteriorly, G medially, and F2 laterally. A small remain of scale J1 is preserved on the jugal (MPEF-PV 10833). It contacts scale E posterodorsally and J3 posteriorly. Other contacts are not preserved. Also a small remain of scale J2 is preserved on the ventral part of postorbital (MPEF-PV 10832). Only the contact with F3 is preserved. Scales F1, F3, F4, and J2 form part of the orbital rim. Scale J3 is preserved in the posteroventral part of jugal (MPEF-PV 10833). Its preserved contacts are with scale E dorsally and scale J1 anteriorly.

Regarding unpaired scales, a small fragment of scale A is preserved on the parietal (MPEF-PV 10832). The preserved contacts are with scale X anteriorly and D anterolaterally. Scale X is preserved almost complete on the parietal (MPEF-PV 10832). Its preserved contacts are with scales XY anteriorly, G anterolaterally, A posteriorly, and D posterolaterally. A remain of scale Z is located in the anteromedial part of the frontals (MPEF-PV 10831). The preserved contacts are posteriorly with scale Y and laterally with scale F4. A new scale (we called it XY because it is located between scales X and Y) is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10832. It is a small scale, triangular, located along the midline. It contacts scale Y anteriorly, X posteriorly, and scale G laterally. Scale Y is the biggest preserved scale and covers the frontal (MPEF-PV 10832). It contacts scale Z anteriorly, F4 anterolaterally, F1 laterally, and G posteriorly.

In addition of being covered by scales, the dermal bones exhibit an ornamentation formed by several small ridges and small pits randomly arranged. The small pits are also present in the holotype, but not the ridges. This could be caused by erosion of the bone or as a result of ontogenetic changes. This decoration is very different from that recognized in the Helochelydridae Naomichelys speciosa, where the entire skull roof is covered with low tubercles (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014, fig. 3).

Dermal roofing

The preserved dermal roofing elements of this species are the prefrontal, frontal, parietal, jugal, quadratojugal, squamosal, and postorbital.

A complete, right prefrontal is preserved in MPEF-PV 10832 (Fig. 2.1–2.4). It is a triangular, thick element that forms part of the skull roof and the orbital margin. It contacts the frontal posteromedially and the anterior contact with the nasal and the posterolateral contact with the postorbital are suggested.

The frontal bone is illustrated in Figure 2.1–2.5. There are three new frontals, one right frontal (MPEF-PV 10831), and one right and one left frontal (MPEF-PV 10832). The general shape and structures of the preserved frontals are similar to those present in the holotype, although there are some differences. The frontal from the holotype (MACN–PV CH 2017) has five well-defined sides, while the frontals of MPEF-PV 10831 and 10832 have four well-developed sides and a very small fifth side. The outline of this bone is roughly triangular in Chubutemys copelloi (Sterli et al., Reference Sterli, de la Fuente and Umazano2015a, figs. 2, 3), in Mongolochelys efremovi (Sukhanov, Reference Sukhanov, Benton, Shishkin, Unwin and Kurochkin2000, fig. 17.28; Danilov et al., Reference Danilov, Syromyatnikova, Sukhanov, Lapatin and Zeklenkov2017, fig.10), and in Meiolania platyceps Owen, Reference Owen1886 (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983, fig. 21). In Kallokibotion bajazidi, the shape of the frontal is variable, as well as its contribution to the orbital margin (Pérez-García and Codrea, Reference Pérez-García and Codrea2017). Although both frontals in P. walshae are thick elements, the frontal of the holotype is much thicker than the ones from the new specimens. These listed differences might be related with changes through ontogeny, because their sizes are slightly different. The frontal has sutural surfaces with the parietal posteriorly, the postorbital laterally, with the prefrontal anteriorly, and the other frontal medially. The shape of the frontal suggests that the frontal separated the posterior part of the prefrontals. The frontal did not form part of the orbital rim (as also shown by the other specimens), as in Chubutemys copelloi (Gaffney et al., Reference Gaffney, Rich, Vickers-Rich, Constantine, Vacca and Kool2007, figs. 4, 5; Sterli et al., Reference Sterli, de la Fuente and Umazano2015a, figs 2, 3), Mongolochelys efremovi (Sukhanov, Reference Sukhanov, Benton, Shishkin, Unwin and Kurochkin2000, fig. 17.28; Danilov et al., Reference Danilov, Syromyatnikova, Sukhanov, Lapatin and Zeklenkov2017, fig.10), Meiolania platyceps (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983, fig. 21), Niolamia argentina (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011a, fig. 1), and some specimens of K. bajazidi (Pérez-García and Codrea, Reference Pérez-García and Codrea2017). To the contrary, a minor participation of the frontal in the orbital rim is seen in some specimens of Kallokibotion bajazidi (Pérez-García and Codrea, Reference Pérez-García and Codrea2017). Also, as in the other known specimens of P. walshae, in ventral view the frontal forms the roof of the fossa orbitalis (laterally), the sulcus olfactorius (medially), and part of the fossa nasalis (anteriorly).

The anteromedial part of both parietals is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10832 (Fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.4–2.6). The parietal forms part of the skull roof. The only preserved contacts are the anterior one with the frontal and the medial one with its counterpart. Ventrally the parietal has the descending process that encloses the endocranial cavity.

Three right jugals are known from P. walshae (MPEF-PV 10832, 10833, and 10922). It is a tall bone, taller than wide (Fig. 3.1, 3.2). A tall bone is also recognized in Chubutemys copelloi (Sterli et al., Reference Sterli, de la Fuente and Umazano2015a). In Peligrochelys walshae, the jugal bears sutural surfaces with the postorbital dorsally, the maxilla anteriorly, and the quadratojugal posteriorly (Fig. 2.2). It forms a small part of the posteroventral rim of the orbit and posteriormost part of the triturating surface (Fig. 3.2). Only the labial ridge of the triturating surface can be observed.

A big portion of the left quadratojugal is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10831 (Fig. 3.3, 3.4). The only preserved sutural area is the dorsal one, presumably with the squamosal. The quadratojugal might have also contacted the postorbital anterodorsally and the quadrate posteriorly. A contact quadratojugal-jugal that prevents the quadratojugal-maxilla contact is also present in Chubutemys copelloi and in Meiolania platyceps (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983; Gaffney et al., Reference Gaffney, Rich, Vickers-Rich, Constantine, Vacca and Kool2007; Sterli et al., Reference Sterli, de la Fuente and Umazano2015a). Two different reconstructions are illustrated for Mongolochelys efremovi: Suzuki and Chinzorig (Reference Suzuki and Chinzorig2010, fig. 1) show a sutural contact between maxilla and quadratojugal, whereas Sukhanov (Reference Sukhanov, Benton, Shishkin, Unwin and Kurochkin2000, fig. 17.28) and Danilov et al. (Reference Danilov, Syromyatnikova, Sukhanov, Lapatin and Zeklenkov2017, fig. 10) illustrated only a maxilla-jugal contact. The quadratojugal forms the border for the cheek, suggesting it was not emarginated. The quadratojugal also forms the anteroventral part of the external rim of the cavum tympani. In the ventral part of the quadratojugal, there is a trough and ventral to it the rim of the cheek is seen. In medial view there is a process that might contact the anterior part of the quadrate.

There is a fragment of squamosal with a knob in specimen MPEF-PV 10924, which has also been found in the holotype.

The postorbital bone is illustrated in Figure 2.1–2.6. Two left (MPEF-PV 10831 and 10832) and two right postorbitals (MPEF-PV 10831 and 10834) are preserved. The postorbital bears the sutural surfaces for the prefrontal and frontal anteromedially, the parietal posteromedially, and the jugal ventrally. As it is seen in the holotype, the postorbital forms part of the skull roof, the posterodorsal rim of the orbit, and part of the roof of the fossa orbitalis. In P. walshae, the anterior process of the postorbital is short and forms the posteriormost margin of the orbit, as in Kallokibotion bajazidi (Gaffney and Meylan, Reference Gaffney and Meylan1992, figs. 1–6; Pérez-García and Codrea, Reference Pérez-García and Codrea2017, fig. 2). Conversely, in Pa. gasparinae (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011b, fig. 3), in Mongolochelys efremovi (Sukhanov, Reference Sukhanov, Benton, Shishkin, Unwin and Kurochkin2000, fig. 17.28; Suzuki and Chinzorig, Reference Suzuki and Chinzorig2010, fig. 1), in Niolamia argentina (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011a, figs. 1, 3), and in Chubutemys copelloi (Sterli et al., Reference Sterli, de la Fuente and Umazano2015a, figs. 2, 3), the postorbital has an extensive anterior process. In P. walshae, as in M. efremovi, Meiolania platyceps, and Niolamia argentina, the postorbital is much more robust than in Pa. gasparinae.

Palatal elements

New palatal elements in P. walshae include the premaxilla and maxilla. The right premaxilla is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10832 (Fig. 3.5, 3.6). It is a small element. The preserved contact surfaces are with the maxilla laterally, the other premaxilla medially, and probably with the nasal laterodorsally. Dorsally, it formed the ventral rim of the apertura narium externa and ventrally the anterior end of the triturating surface.

The posterior part of the left maxilla is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10916 (Fig. 3.7–3.9). Posteriorly the sutural surface with the jugal is preserved. Dorsally it forms the ventral part of the orbital rim and ventrally it forms part of the triturating surface. Only the labial ridge is preserved.

Palatoquadrate elements

The quadrate is the only preserved bone derived from the palatoquadrate element. The quadrate bone is illustrated in Figure 3.10–3.14. There are six left quadrates (MPEF-PV 10831, 10914, 10832, 10833, 10903, 10907) and three right quadrates (MPEF-PV 10831, 10832, 10902). The general shape of the quadrate is similar to the one described for the holotype. The quadrate shows the articulation surfaces for the quadratojugal (anteriorly), prootic and pterygoid (medially), for the jugal (laterally), for the opisthotic (posteriorly), and for the squamosal posterodorsally. The quadrate might have contacted the squamosal, but the articulation surface for this bone is not preserved. It has a deep cavum tympani and the incisura columella auris is open posteriorly, at least in the path of the quadrate. Anterodorsally, the quadrate bears a processus trochlearis oticum. Ventrally, it bears the articular process that in turns bears at the most ventral end the condylus mandibularis. The condyle has two articular surfaces delimited by a short, anteroposteriorly directed ridge. The medial part of the condyle is almost flat, wider than long, while the lateral part is slightly concave, quadrangular in outline. In medial view, the aditus canalis stapedio temporalis and the canalis cavernosus are visible. There is a small passage connecting both canals (the name or function of this canal is unknown).

Braincase elements

The exoccipital, basioccipital, prootic, opisthotic, and basisphenoid are the new elements known from the braincase. The exoccipital bone is illustrated in Figure 4.1–4.3. Two left exoccipitals are preserved (MPEF-PV 10831, 10832) and one right (MPEF-PV 10831). The exoccipital bears the sutural surfaces with the basioccipital (ventrally) and the opisthotic (laterally). The suture with the supraoccipital is not preserved. The exoccipital forms the lateral rim of the foramen magnum. Two foramen nervi hypoglossi are preserved in the exoccipital. This is a difference with the holotype in which both foramina are confluent. The exoccipital, together with the opisthotic, forms part of the foramina jugulare anterius and posterius. The foramen jugulare posterius is coalescent with the fenestra postotica as in Kallokibotion bajazidi, Ch. copelloi, Me. Platyceps, and Mongolochelys efremovi. Posteriorly, the exoccipital possesses a crest, maybe related with muscle attachment.

The basioccipital bone is illustrated in Figure 4.4–4.8. Two basioccipitals (MPEF-PV 10912 and 10916) are preserved. It is a thick bone. In ventral view, a pair of tubera basioccipitalis is visible, as in other meiolaniforms. A concavity is recognized between both tubera, as in K. bajazidi, M. efremovi, and meiolaniids. Contrary to the holotype of Peligrochelys walshae, the concavity in this specimen is not divided in the midline by a low ridge that bifurcates posteriorly. However, it is interesting to note that both new basioccipitals are much smaller than in the holotype. The occipital condyle is sub-triangular to triangular in outline and slightly wider than high, and it is separated from the main body of the basioccipital by a short neck, as in the holotype of P. walshae. Because the sutures between the basioccipital and exoccipitals cannot be recognized, as well as the participation of the exoccipitals in the condyle, we presume those bones are fused.

The prootic bone is illustrated in Figure 4.9–4.14. One left (MPEF-PV 10902) and two right (MPEF-PV 10832 and 10902) prootics are preserved. The general morphology of the prootic is similar to the holotype of P. walshae (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013, figs. 6, 7). The prootic preserves the sutural surfaces with the quadrate (laterally), with the pterygoid and basisphenoid (ventrally), opisthotic (posteriorly), and parietal (dorsally). In anterior view, the processus trochlearis oticum, the canalis cavernosus, and the prootic foramen are visible. In medial view, the wall of the cavum cranii, the fossa acustico-facialis pierced by the foramen nervi facialis (VII) and by two foramina nervi acustici (VIII), the anterior rim of the hiatus acusticus, and the canalis semicircularis anterius and horizontalis are observed. In posterior view, the cavum labyrinthicum, the recessus labyrinthicus prooticus, the canalis semicircularis horizontalis and the anterior rim of the fenestra ovalis are seen. In lateral view, the medial border of the aditus canalis stapedio-temporalis is recognized. In ventral view, the prootic is pierced by the facial nerve (VII). The anteroventral part of the prootic forms the posterior wall of the canalis cavernosus. In medial and posterior view, the inner ear is seen delimited by the fenestra ovalis and containing the recessus labyrinthicus prooticus. In the medial wall, the foramen nervi facialis (VII) and two foramina nervi acustici (VIII) are preserved.

The left opisthotic and some small fragments of the right one are preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10832 (Fig. 4.1–4.3). The opisthotic is similar to the one preserved in the holotype (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013, figs. 8, 9). The preserved contacts are with the exoccipital posteromedially and the quadrate anterolaterally. In the dorsolateral corner, there is a sutural surface presumably for the squamosal. The opisthotic likely contacted the prootic anteromedially and the supraoccipital dorsoanteriorly. In posterior view, the opisthotic has a horizontal crest, as is also seen in the holotype. This crest could be related to muscle attachment. The opisthotic forms part of the recessus labyrinthicus opisthoticus. The processus interfenestralis of the opisthotic is a delicate strip of bone pierced by the foramina for the nervi glossopharyngei (IX). Posterior to the processus interfenestralis, the recessus scalae tympani is preserved. Through this space the vagus (X) and accessory (XI) nerves and the vena capitis cerebralis leave the skull (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1979). This recessus opens to the exterior through the foramen jugulare posterius (maybe formed by the exoccipital and opisthotic in P. walshae). The foramen jugulare anterius connects the recessus scalae tympani with the cavum cranii (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1979) and it is formed by the opisthotic and the exoccipital in P. walshae.

The posterior part of the basisphenoid is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10833 (Fig. 4.15, 4.16). The basisphenoid is similar to the one present in the holotype (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013, figs. 8, 9). Although it is an isolated element, the sutural surface with the basioccipital posteriorly, with the pterygoid mediolaterally, and with the prootic dorsomedially are preserved. It is a thick element. In ventral view, near the suture with the basioccipital, a wrinkled area is seen. The sulcus leading to the foramen caroticus cerebralis posterius is seen in ventral view. As it is seen in the holotype of Pe. walshae (MACN PV CH 2017), the basisphenoid is roughly triangular in shape and its basis is as wide as the basioccipital (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2013, fig. 8). In contrast, in Naomichelys speciosa, the parabasisphenoid is bottle-shaped, and the basis of this bone is narrower than the basioccipital (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014, fig. 2).

Lower jaw

The lower jaw of P. walshae, as in all turtles, is represented by the dentary and postdentary bones. In Peligochelys walshae, as in other meiolaniforms, a web of bone connects both dentaries behind and below the symphysis, the triturating surfaces are relatively narrow, and the fossa meckelii is not obscured by the processus coronoideus. To the contrary, in Naomichelys speciosa, a broad shelf is developed along the symphysis, the triturating surfaces are extremely broad and low, and the coronoid process is folded medially making the mandible of this species highly unusual in general morphology (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014, fig. 5).

Dentary

The dentary bone is illustrated in Figure 5.1–5.6. One right (MPEF-PV 10902), two symphyses (MPEF-PV 10838 and 10914), and two left (MPEF-PV 10832 and 10914) dentaries are preserved. Externally, the dentary shows ornamentation as the one present in the dermal bones of the skull plus the presence of bigger pits near the triturating surface. These bigger pits are interpreted as nutritional foramina related with the presence of a ramphotheca. The preserved sutural areas are the posteromedial one with the coronoid, splenial, and/or with the prearticular and the anteromedial one with the other dentary. Both rami are fused in a relatively long symphysis. In medial view, the sulcus cartilaginis Meckelii is seen. Also in medial view, there is a foramen whose canal runs inside the dentary and at the same level as the sulcus cartilaginis Meckelii. There is no apparent anterior opening of this canal. The triturating surface is formed entirely by the dentary. In dorsal view, the triturating surface is concave, limited by the labial and lingual ridges. The labial ridge is taller anteriorly, but they are similar in height posteriorly. However, in meiolaniids, such as Niolamia argentina (Sterli and de la Fuente, Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011a, fig. 4, C–J) or Meiolania platyceps, the lingual ridge is taller than the labial one (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983, figs. 61, 62), and the triturating surface is wider towards the posterior. The triturating surface is also pierced by big foramina. Peligrochelys walshae does not have the ridge in the symphysis or the perpendicular ridges present near the symphysis seen in Mo. efremovi. The coronoid process is present in the posterodorsal part of the dentary. The foramen alveolare inferius pierces the dentary in medial view below the coronoid process. In the posterior end of the dentary, there is a ridge interpreted as the posterior limit of the ramphotheca.

Postdentary bones

Postdentary bones of the left ramus of lower jaw attributed to P. walshae is recognized in specimen MPEF-PV 10910 (Fig. 5.7–5.12). All the bones are fused, so the sutures among them are not distinguishable. We assume that the articular, surangular, angular, and prearticular bones are present. The surangular bears anteriorly the sutural area with the dentary. The surangular has the meiolaniform ornamentation with small pits randomly arranged. The foramen nervi auriculotemporalis (V3) is located well posteriorly in the surangular. The canal containing the auriculotemporal nerve runs inside the bone and opened in the fossa Meckelii. Posteroventrally to the foramen there is a groove. The area articularis mandibularis is more or less rounded in outline, concave, and is subdivided in two subequal areas by a ridge. The medial concavity is bigger than the lateral one, as in other meiolaniforms such as Meiolania platyceps (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983, figs. 62, 63). Posterior to the area articularis mandibularis, there is a short processus retroarticularis in P. walshae. Conversely to the condition seen in meiolaniforms, such as Meiolania platyceps (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1983) and Kallokibotion bajazidi (Gaffney and Meylan, Reference Gaffney and Meylan1992). This process is pierced by the foramen chorda tympani mandibularis (VII) in P. walshae. The corda tympani mandibularis nerve is surrounded by bone in P. walshae. In medial view, a portion of the prearticular is preserved. It formed part of the rim of the foramen intermandibularis caudalis (V3).

Carapace

All the carapace remains have the same ornamentation present in other meiolaniforms composed of small pits randomly oriented. The thickness of the carapacial bones differs according to each type of plate. In general, the thickness increases toward the periphery of the carapace. Neural bones are 2–3 mm thick, while the peipherals are ~4 mm thick. A different ornamentation is recognized in Naomichelys speciosa. In this helochelydrid species, the entire dorsal surface of the carapace is covered with pustules (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014, fig. 7).

Nuchal (Fig. 6.1, 6.2)

There are seven nuchals or fragments of nuchals preserved (MPEF-PV 10831, 10834–10839). The anterior border is slightly concave, but in the middle (where the cervical scute is) it has an anterior process. In contrast, the anterior margin in Naomichelys speciosa is characterized by a deep nuchal notch that is formed also by the peripheral 1 (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014). This large notch produces in this helochelydrid species a trapezoidal nuchal bone three times wider posteriorly than anteriorly; displaying a different outline than the shape recognized in the nuchal of Peligrochelys walshae. The sutural area with the peripheral 1 is preserved. Some of the outlines of the cervical, marginal 1, and vertebral 1 are recognized on the nuchal. The cervical is rectangular, slightly wider than long. The general shape of the nuchal is arched. Conversely to Ka. bajazidi and Meio. platyceps, a strong nuchal notch is recognized in Pa. gasparinae, Mo. efremovi, and likely in P. walshae. We infer the presence of a strong nuchal notch in P. walshae based on the shape of the nuchal and its articulation with the first peripheral.

Neural

Four neural bones (MPEF-PV 10831–10833) are preserved. Neural MPEF-PV 10831 is a rectangular neural bone (Fig. 6.3). Because it is crossed by an intervertebral sulcus, it likely represents neurals 1, 3, 5 (or 6), or 8. The sulcus has in the midline an anterior inflection. Neural MPEF-PV 10833 is hexagonal (Fig. 6.4). It is wider than long and it has anterior short sides. It has a medial keel and is crossed with a sulcus separating two vertebrals. A medial keel is not recognized in other meiolaniforms where at least some neural bones are preserved (e.g., Ch. copelloi, Pa. gasparinae, Otwayemys cunicularius Gaffney et al., Reference Gaffney, Kool, Brinkman, Rich and Rich1998). The sulcus has an anterior flexure in the midline. Neurals MPEF-PV 10832 have the sulcus separating vertebrals, and they have a medial keel. Due to the nature of preservation, the shape of the neurals cannot be assessed.

Peripherals

All the peripherals are divided in the middle by the sulcus between marginals. The anterior half of the peripheral is thicker than the posterior part.

One left (MPEF-PV 10831; Fig. 6.5) and four right (MPEF-PV 10831, 10833, 10923, and 10840) peripherals 1 are preserved. They contact the nuchal medially and peripheral 2 laterally. Other contacts are difficult to determine.

One left peripheral 2 (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved. The only preserved contact is the medial one with peripheral 1.

Three left (MPEF-PV 10836, 10840, and 10911) and three right (MPEF-PV 10831, 10834, 10911) peripherals 3 are preserved. In peripheral 3, the bridge starts. In medial view, the socket for the reception of the plastron (ventrally) and the rib (dorsally) are seen. The peripheral is crossed by a sulcus separating marginal scales 3 and 4.

A bridge peripheral (MPEF-PV 10904), an anterior right bridge peripheral (MPEF-PV 10904), a right bridge peripheral (MPEF-PV 10836), a left bridge peripheral (MPEF-PV 10906), and two left, last bridge peripherals (MPEF-PV 10831, 10836) are preserved. The bridge peripheral is L-shaped. The sockets for the plastron and ribs are seen in medial view.

There are some peripherals (free peripherals and from the bridge) in specimen MPEF-PV 10832. The peripherals have the sulcus between the marginal, as the typical shape found in other meiolaniforms; they are markedly curved anteriorly.

Plastron

There are several plastral remains preserved in specimens MPEF-PV 10831 and 10832. However their poor preservation does not allow any further description.

Vertebral column

Remains of cervical, thoracic, sacral, and caudal vertebrae are known for P. walshae.

Cervical vertebrae (Fig. 7)

At least five of the eight cervical vertebrae of the neck in P. walshae are preserved (remains of atlas, third, fourth, fifth, and seventh). They were not found in articulation, and some of them belong to more than one specimen (e.g., two remains correspond to cervical vertebra 2, three centra correspond to cervical vertebra 4, two cervical correspond to vertebra 5). A medial keel is not recognized in other meiolaniforms where at least some neural bones are preserved (e.g., Ch. copelloi, Pa. gasparinae, O. cunicularius). Based on the principles of comparative anatomy applied for the cervical vertebrae of P. walshae, we suggest that the cervical formula for this species was: ?1? ?2((3((4))5) ?6? ?7? ?8).

The ?left neural arch of the atlas is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10832 (Fig. 7.1). In anterior view, the articulation facet with the occipital condyle is seen. Ventrally there is a small facet for the articulation with the intercentrum of the atlas. In medial view, the articulation with the centrum of the atlas is seen. In lateral view, in the posteroventral corner, there is a process interpreted as the transverse process. Unfortunately, the development of the dorsal portion of the neural arch of the atlas cannot be established with certainty because this area is broken in the specimen.

The left half of an opisthocoelous centrum (MPEF-PV 10832) corresponding to cervical vertebra 3 is preserved. Comparisons with Pa. gasparinae allow us to suggest this vertebra could correspond to the third cervical vertebrae. The anterior condyle is triangular, while the posterior cotyle is round. The centrum is longer than high and it is compressed ventrally, forming a ventral ridge slightly protruding beyond the centrum. The diapophysis is located in the anterior part of the centrum almost reaching the condyle. The parapophysis is located in the posteroventral part of the centrum.

Much of the posterior part of the neural arch of the cervical vertebra 3 (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved (Fig. 7.2). The postzygapophysis points ventrolaterally. In posterior view and above the postzygapophysis, there are two concavities separated by a vertical ridge, as in Pa. gasparinae. These concavities could be related with the insertion of semispinalis muscled (Shah, Reference Shah1963).

There are three cervical centra (MPEF-PV 10913, 10914, 10917) recognized as cervical vertebra 4. The centrum is biconvex, longer than high (Fig. 7.3). The anterior condyle is round in outline, while the posterior one is oval, higher than wide. Ventrally, the centrum is constricted, ending in a ridge, and below the posterior condyle it bears a rugose area. This ventral ridge does not protrude ventrally to the centrum. In the anterodorsal part of the centrum reaching the border of the anterior condyle, the parapophysis is preserved. The dia- and parapophyses are located in the anterodorsal part of the centrum. The cervical rib is not preserved.

There are three cervical vertebrae identified as cervical 5 (MPEF-PV 10831, 10913, 10921). Cervical vertebra 5 is procoelous (Fig. 7.4). Both, the cotyle and condyle are more or less oval in outline, with the cotyle bigger in size. Ventrally, the centrum is constricted, ending in a ridge, which does not protrude ventrally to the centrum. The parapophysis is located in the anteroventral part of the centrum. Contrary to cervical vertebra 4, the parapophysis is not in contact with the border of the cotyle. The left prezygapophysis is small and dorsomedially oriented. The diapophysis is located in the anterodorsal part of the centrum. This diapophysis is broken, but it is dorsoposterior-ventroanteriorly oriented.

Most of the neural arch of the cervical vertebra 7 (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved, only missing the right prezygapophysis (Fig. 7.5). It is a very tall arch. The prezygapophysis is well developed, round, and pointing dorsomedially. The postzygapophysis is also round, pointing ventrolaterally. The neural arch has a blunt neural crest. Between the neural crest and the postzygapophysis in posterior view, there are two elongated concavities separated by a ridge. These concavities could be related with the insertion of longissimus thoracis muscle (Shah, Reference Shah1963).

A half part of a cervical centrum is recognized in specimen MPEF-PV 10840. It bears a condyle, which is taller than wide. Ventral to the condyle, there is a rugose surface that may have been for muscle attachment. Unfortunately we cannot determine which cervical vertebra it is.

Thoracic vertebrae

A mid-thoracic vertebra is recognized in MPEF-PV 10831. It is a long, slender thoracic vertebra, identified as belonging to the middle part of the column. Only one articular facet is preserved, and it is platycoelous. The body of the vertebra is tall and narrow, and the articular facet is taller than wide.

Comparison with the well-known thoracic vertebral column of Pa. gasparinae allowed us to recognize the presence of a thoracic vertebra 9 for Pe. walshae. Thoracic vertebra 9 (MPEF-PV 10831) is shorter than the previously described vertebra. Thoracic vertebra 9 is platycoelous and the articular surfaces are wider than high, with the posterior one wider than the anterior one. The anterior two-thirds of the centrum are attached to the thoracic rib (probably the ninth).

Sacral vertebrae (Fig. 8.1)

Only sacral vertebra 2 is known for P. walshae. They are similar in morphology to Pa. gasparinae (Sterli and de la Fuente, 2011b, fig. 9 A–B). The sacral formula suggested for P. walshae: ?sa1| |sa2|, where “|” denotes synchondrosis.

Three sacral vertebrae 2 (MPEF-PV 10831, 10834, 10840) are preserved. The centrum of sacral 2 is very flat, being much wider than long (Fig. 8.1). Sacral 2 is slightly concave anteriorly and platycoelous posteriorly (to contact through synchondrosis caudal vertebra 1). The posterior articulating surface is more than two times wider than high. The sacral rib is attached in the anterior two-thirds of the centrum. The neural arch is preserved, although it is displaced from its natural position. It is high with a blunt neural crest towards the posterior part of the arch. Only the right postzygapophysis is preserved, and it is reduced.

Conversely to Pe. walshae, sacral vertebrae 1 and 2 in Naomichelys speciosa are procoelous, have an hourglass-shaped ventral ridge, and small, blunt dorsal processes (Joyce et al., 2014, fig. 10).

Caudal vertebrae (Fig. 8.2, 8.3, 8.4)

Caudal vertebrae are known from several specimens. One specimen (MPEF-PV 10831) preserved 12 caudal vertebrae. The other specimens are represented by six isolated, opisthocoelous caudal vertebrae (MPEF-PV 10835, 10836, 10908, 10909). The description of the caudal vertebrae is based on the most complete specimen and complemented with the other specimens when specified. In MPEF-PV 10831, nine vertebrae are opisthocoelous and two are procoelous; the remaining is only known by a partial neural arch. All the caudal vertebrae bear in their posteroventral rim the double articulation for chevron bones.

There are two caudal vertebra 1 (MPEF-PV 10831, 10835) preserved. The centrum of caudal vertebra 1 is platycoelous anteriorly (to articulate through synchondrosis with sacral vertebra 2) and concave posteriorly (Fig. 8.2). Both articulating surfaces are wider than high. In the anterior two-thirds of the centrum, the rib is located. The neural arch is well preserved, but is displaced from its natural position. It is tall and has a well-developed neural crest with a dorsal and flat surface. Only the left prezygapophysis is preserved. It is small and points dorsomedially. The postzygapophysis is round and points ventrolaterally.

The most anterior vertebrae are opisthocoelous and have well-developed neural arches with certain development of the neural crest (Fig. 8.3). There are many changes that can be observed from anterior to posterior: the general size of the vertebra decreases, the height of the arches decreases relative with the centra, the centra in turns became much longer than high, the transverse processes move posteriorly in the centrum towards the distal part of the tail, the transverse processes also decrease in size until they disappear in the most posterior vertebrae, and the size of the zygapophyses also decreases towards posterior. The procoelous caudal vertebrae are the most posterior ones (Fig. 8.4). Their centra are much longer than high, with a short neural arch, no transverse processes, and the articulation for chevron bones reduced. A biconvex caudal vertebra should have been present to connect the anterior opisthocoelous section of the tail and the posterior procoelous section. In contrast, all Naomichelys speciosa caudal centra are amphicoelous (Joyce et al., Reference Joyce, Sterli and Chapman2014, fig. 11), as in basal turtles such as Proganochelys quenstedti Baur, Reference Baur1887, Palaeochersis talampayensis Rougier, de la Fuente, and Arcucci, Reference Rougier, de la Fuente and Arcucci1995, and Condorchelys antiqua Sterli, Reference Sterli2008. The general morphology and the caudal formula of Pe. walshae is similar to the caudal formula of Pa. gasparinae described by Sterli and de la Fuente (Reference Sterli and de la Fuente2011b). Conversely, in Ka. bajazidi, the caudals are low and wide, the neural spine is a low ridge, and the caudal centra are amphicoelus, except the platycoelous articulation between the first caudal and the last sacral (Gaffney and Meylan, Reference Gaffney and Meylan1992; Pérez-García and Codrea, Reference Pérez-García and Codrea2017).

Pectoral girdle

The pectoral girdle in P. walshae is triradiate.

Scapula (Fig. 9.3, 9.4)

There are two preserved scapulae, one left (MPEF-PV 10831) and one right (MPEF-PV 10834). The dorsal process is long and is round distally. The length of the acromial process cannot be determined. Between the dorsal process and the acromion there is a web of bone, similar to Mo. efremovi. The glenoid is rectangular, slightly convex to almost flat, with a medial constriction between the scapula and coracoid. The glenoid neck is present.

Coracoid

Only the proximal end of left coracoid (MPEF-PV 10831) and small portion of a right coracoid (MPEF-PV 10834) are preserved. The coracoid is expanded proximally towards the glenoid. It contacts the scapula and it forms part of the glenoid.

Forelimb

Several remains recognized as part of the forelimb of P. walshae are described herein.

Humerus (Fig. 9.3, 9.4)

One right (MPEF-PV 10836) and three left (MPEF-PV 10831, 10835, 10915) humeri are preserved. The proximal and distal ends are expanded, the proximal being more expanded than the distal. In the proximal end of the humerus of P. walshae, the head, the shoulder, the medial and lateral processes are recognized. The head is well defined and slightly oval. Next to it and towards the lateral side, a well-developed shoulder is present, as seen in K. bajazidi and other basal turtles. In general aspects, the medial process is more developed (posteriorly and proximally) than the lateral and more or less continuous with the head. The lateral process, on the contrary, is separated from the head by a notch. In ventral view, the intertubercular fossa is present between the medial and lateral processes. The diaphysis of the humerus is not preserved. The distal end of the humerus bears, in dorsal view, the canal for the foramen ectepicondylar. In the distal end, we can see that the foramen ectepicondylar is enclosed in bone. In ventral view, the distal end of the humerus bears the condyle for the radius (capitellum) anteriorly and the condyle for the ulna (trochlea), posteriorly. The trochlea is bigger than the capitellum in P. walshae, contrary to Pro. quenstedti. The ectepicondylar canal exits in the ventral view, next to the capitellum.

Radius

The distal end of the left radius is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10835 (Fig. 9.5). In the lateral part of the distal end, there is a rugosity for the distal attachment of the radio-ulnar ligament (Gaffney, Reference Gaffney1996). The articulation with the carpus is elongated with a pronounced lateroproximal slope.

Metacarpals (Fig. 9.6, 9.7)

A left metacarpal III or IV (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved. It is a robust element, slightly expanded in both ends. The proximal end shows a medioventral process that underlays the previous metacarpal and a laterodorsal process that overlays the next metacarpal.

Metacarpus/metatarsus

A distal portion of a metacarpal/metatarsal (MPEF-PV 10832) is also preserved. The distal end is expanded and it is slightly asymmetrical, suggesting this could belong to the left hand or foot. The articular surface for the phalanx and the concavities for the insertion of tendons are preserved.

Phalanges

There are three preserved phalanges (MPEF-PV 10831, 10832). They are robust elements. Both ends are expanded.

Ungual

Only one ungual phalanx (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved. It is slightly distorted and the distal end is missing. It is claw-like, triangular in shape, and tall. It is at least two times longer than wide. In one of the sides (the other side is damaged), it has a groove, like in Mo. efremovi.

Hindlimb

Several remains recognized as part of the hindlimb of P. walshae are described herein.

Femur

Only one right femur (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved (Fig. 10.1). It is almost complete, only lacking the tip of the distal end. Both ends are expanded and the shaft is round, slender, and slightly curved, as in most turtles. The femur is more than two times longer than wide (measured in the maximum preserved width in the proximal end). The proximal end bears the trochanters and the head. The head is oval and inclined (from posteroproximally to anterodistally). The trochanter major is continuous with the head, while the minor is separated by a notch. Both trochanters are seen in dorsal view. In ventral view, the trochanters border the intertrochanteric fossa. Due to the nature of the specimen, the distal end cannot be described in detail.

Tibia

Only the distal end of the left tibia (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved (Fig. 10.2). It has medial flat and lateral domed surfaces for the astragalocalcaneum. The articular surface in distal view is triangular.

Astragalocalcaneum

Only a left astragalocalcaneum (MPEF-PV 10831) is preserved for P. walshae (Fig. 10.3). It is almost complete, only missing a portion of the medial part. The astragalus and calcaneum are fused together; no suture between the bones is seen. The astragalocalcaneum is an irregular block-like element. In its proximal surface, the articular surfaces for the tibia (medially) and for the fibula (laterally) are preserved. Both surfaces are separated by a blunt ridge. Distally, the astragalocalcaneum bears the articular surface for the tarsals. In anterior view, this bone has a shallow concavity on the lateral half, while in the medial half, it has a bump.

Osteoderm

A part of an osteoderm is preserved in specimen MPEF-PV 10834 (Fig. 10.4). It is a thin element ornamented with small pits randomly arranged.