Lacertoid Footprints of the Upper Permian Arenaria di Val Gardena Formation (Northern Italy)

Lacertoid footprints are the largest component of the Upper Permian Arenaria di Val Gardena Formation ichnofauna that contains hundreds of specimens mostly referred to the ichnogenus Rhynchosauroides Maidwell 1911. In this paper, we analyzed unpublished material and re-examined the Rhynchosauroides footprints of that ichnofauna, in particular the figured specimens. Analysis of Rhynchosauroides and its type ichnospecies R. rectipes Maidwell 1911 was first necessary. This preliminary investigation highlighted several problems, including ichnospecies named on the basis of poorly preserved material and in some cases significantly different from the type ichnospecies.

The study allowed for recognition of three ichnotaxa referred to Rhynchosauroides: Rhynchosauroides pallinii Conti et al., 1977, Rhynchosauroides isp.1 and Rhynchosauroides isp.2 and Ganasauripus ladinus igen. et isp. nov. Other material previously referred to Rhynchosauroides is herein regarded as unclassifiable, in the light of present ichnological knowledge and procedures.