Palaeopathology in a Cretaceous terrestrial lizard from China

Abstract

ABSTRACT The lizard genus Yabeinosaurus is a common and relatively well-known member of Chinese Lower Cretaceous Jehol Biota, found in both the Yixian and Jiufotang formations of north-eastern China. Previous research on Yabeinosaurus has revealed information on its morphology, phylogenetic position, colouration, diet, and viviparous reproductive strategy. Herein we describe a new specimen preserving the skull and postcranial skeleton. The skull shows features characteristic of Yabeinosaurus robustus, but reveals the morphology of the vomer for the first time. In the postcranial skeleton, the most significant feature is a malformation of the fibula resulting from a fracture that occurred several months before the animal died, possibly as the result of intraspecies aggression or a predation attempt.