Sphenovipera
Sphenovipera jimmysjoyi is an extinct species of sphenodontian dated from the Middle Jurassic.[1][2] If was discovered in the lower part of the La Boca Formation located in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[1] Only the lower jaw of this organism has been discovered and studied.[1] It is possibly the only species of rhynchocephalian yet discovered to show evidence of venom delivery.[1]
| Sphenovipera Temporal range: | |
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| A silhouette showing the jaw of Sphenovipera in medial view | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Rhynchocephalia |
| Family: | Sphenodontidae |
| Genus: | †Sphenovipera Reynoso, 2005[1] |
| Species | |
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Etymology
Sphenovipera was named by Reynoso in 2005. The name alludes to sphenodontians via Spheno- and -vipera is Latin for "venomous snake."[1]
Venom delivery
The mandible of Sphenovipera jimmysjoyi has several characteristics indicative of venom delivery. This includes large curved fangs with grooves seen in other animals that use low-pressure venom delivery, such as colubrid snakes.[1]
References
- Reynoso, Victor-Hugo (September 2005). "Possible evidence of a venom apparatus in a Middle Jurassic Sphenodontian from the Huizachal Red Beds of Tamaulipas, Mexico". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 25 (3): 646–654. doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2005)025[0646:PEOAVA]2.0.CO;2.
- "†Sphenovipera Reynoso 2005". Paleobiology Database. Fossilworks. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
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