A New Platynotan Lizard (Diapsida: Squamata) from the Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert (Ömnögov), Mongolia

Abstract

Here we describe a new diminutive varanoid from the Late Cretaceous Djadoktha Formation of Omnogov, Mongolia. The new taxon, Ovoo gurval, was found in the Nemegt Basin at the locality of Little Ukhaa, a locality adjacent to the rich fossil beds of Ukhaa Tolgod. The new varanoid is similar to Aiolosaurus oriens, another small varanoid from the Ukhaa Tolgod locality and several diagnostic characters of Ovoo gurval are shared with Aiolosaurus oriens. Ovoo gurval also has a pair of unusual neomorphic ossifications on the skull roof overlying the frontonasal contact. Positionally, these are unlike any neomorphic ossifications in other squamates, and certainly can be distinguished from osteoderms found in some varanoids.