Abstract
Pampatheriidae is a group of South American native cingulates recorded from the Middle Miocene to the Early Holocene. These animals arrived in North America during the Great American Biotic Interchange. During the Quaternary, at least three genera existed: Tonnicinctus Góis, González Ruiz, Scillato-Yané and Soibelzon, Pampatherium Gervais and Ameghino, and Holmesina Simpson. They are differentiated mainly by craniodental and osteodermal characters. In this paper, we describe a new species of Holmesina from Bahia state, Brazil. Two well-preserved specimens possessing osteoderms associated with their skeletons enabled us to determine the genus and species more reliably. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. differs from the other Quaternary pampatheres by having the simplest ornamental pattern of osteoderms, sharing characteristics between Pampatherium and Holmesina osteoderms and the most robust skull among the Holmesina species, however preserving the main synapomorphies of the genus. Moreover, the integrity of the remains of H. cryptae sp. nov. enabled us to describe elements of the hyoid apparatus, the clavicle, the entire vertebral column and the pelvis. It was also possible to measure its total axial length (2.2 m) more reliably, which is smaller than previously estimated for other pampatheres. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. constitutes the sixth species of the genus, and it is the fourth in South America.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
