Broomistega

Broomistega putterilli

Resurrected on:

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Genus information

Broomistega is a primitive amphibian, also called Temnospondyl, that lived in Africa during the Lower Triassic epoch. It is the only known genus of its family, the Rhinesuchidae, indicating its ancestors survived the Permian - Triassic mass extinction event, but it was apparently a rare species of the Karoo environment of Southern Africa. It may have been the last representative of its group. Broomistega were small in size and were bound to watery habitats.

Family:

Distribution:

Epoch:

Rhinesuchidae

Africa

Lower Triassic

Species information

The genus of Broomistega is only known from one species, B. putterilli. Fossils have been found in the Karoo of South Africa. It could grow up to 25 cm in length and had a typical body plan for primitive amphibians: big head, elongated body and tail and four legs. Broomistega became famous after a fossilized burrow was found containing a complete specimen alongside a complete specimen of Thrinaxodon.

Species:

Paleontologist:

Distribution:

Epoch:

Broomistega putterilli

Shishkin & Rubidge, 2000

Africa

Lower Triassic

Length:

Height:

Weight:

25 cm

n/a

5 kg

Reference:

Fernandez, V., Abdala, F., Carlson, K. J., Rubidge, B. S., Yates, A., & Tafforeau, P. (2013). Synchrotron reveals Early Triassic odd couple: injured amphibian and aestivating therapsid share burrow. PLoS One, 8(6), e64978.