Cricosaurus (Thalattosuchia, Metriorhynchidae) survival across the J/K boundary in the High Andes (Mendoza Province, Argentina)

Metriorhynchidae is an extinct group of Jurassic–Cretaceous crocodylomorphs that developed a fully pelagic lifestyle. Its Jurassic record outstanding (it includes around 40 nominal species), while the records can be restricted to Cretaceous are particularly sparse. Here we describe partial skull new species Cricosaurus, Cricosaurus puelchorum sp. nov., from lower Berriasian Vaca Muerta Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina). The description specimen reveals series autapomorphies and unique combination characters justify creation species. Phylogenetic analysis places nov. closer three upper Kimmeridgian–lower Tithonian southern Germany. taxon was recovered in connection with accurate ammonoid-based biostratigraphic control allows confirming survival across J/K boundary at southeastern Pacific.