The most complete skull of Brachyodus onoideus (Anthracotheriidae), Liège University collections

Abstract

ABSTRACT The University of Liège Geology Department curates a relatively complete cranium and mandible of the Miocene anthracothere Brachyodus onoideus, lacking only the premaxillae, parts of the maxillae and pterygoids. Although comparable in dimensions, the fossils probably represent two individuals. The specimens resolve several issues that have plagued interpretations of the genus regarding the resting posture of the head on the vertebral column, the hafting of the neurocranium onto the splanchnocranium and the lower dental formula. The provenance is unknown, but sandy sediment adhering to the skull and the pale, mottled colouration of the bones and teeth suggest that it may have been collected from the Sables de l’Orléanais, France. The dimensions and morphology of the mandible accord with the holotype of Brachyodus onoideus from Neuville-aux-Bois in the same sedimentary deposits; based on this similarity and metric comparisons of upper and lower dentition, we assign the Liège specimen to this species. The life appearance and behaviour of Brachyodus are discussed, with a preliminary description, a high-resolution 3D rendering, and stereo images of the specimens provided to make them available to the scientific community.