Ostodolepidae

Ostodolepidae, also spelled Ostodolepididae, is an extinct family of Early Permian microsaurs. They are unique among microsaurs in that they were large, reaching lengths of up to 2 feet (61 cm), terrestrial, and presumably fossorial.[1] Ostodolepid remains have been found from Early Permian beds in Texas,[2] Oklahoma,[3] and Germany.[4]

Ostodolepidae Temporal range: Early Permian PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Life restoration of Pelodosotis elongatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subclass:	†Lepospondyli
Order:	†"Microsauria"
Clade:	†Recumbirostra
Family:	†Ostodolepidae Romer, 1945
Genera
Micraroter Nannaroter Ostodolepis Pelodosotis Tambaroter

Ostodolepids have elongated trunks, with small, robust limbs and shortened tails. The occiput is high, but the skull narrows toward the snout. The snout is pointed and projects past the jaw. In dorsal view, the skull is roughly triangular. The ventral temporal margin is emarginated. At the back of the skull, there is a large cavity between the supraoccipital and the skull roof. The skull is well ossified, with tight sutures between bones. The skull roof is relatively smooth, although scattered pits and grooves are usually present. There are 32 to 45 presacral vertebrae, and three sacral vertebrae.[3]