Saniwa spec.

(Figs 59 - 61)

DESCRIPTION Presacral vertebrae (Figs 59 - 61) The three vertebrae are large (Figs 59 - 61), with centrum lengths ranging from about 8.8 to 9.6 mm (seeAppendix 1). The centrum is almost triangular in ventral view and widens anteriorly (though not to that extent as in melanosaurine vertebrae described above). The subcentral ridges are straight in ventral view. The prezygapophyses are either much dorsally tilted (NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0003) or only slightly so (in the other two specimens). The prezygapophyseal articular facets are massive and broad in dorsal view. The postzygapophyseal articular facets are also massive. The neural spine develops in height mostly in the posterior half of the neural arch. The neural arch is vaulted in posterior view. There are slight signs of “ pseudozygosphene ” and “ pseudozygantrum ” (sensu Hoffstetter 1969). The cotyle and the condyle are strongly depressed. The centrum appear more convex in lateral view is NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0001 and NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0002, while it is more straight in NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0003. In all specimens though, the dorsal level of the cotyle can be clearly visible in ventral view of the specimen. Precondylar constriction can be observed (even slightly though) in NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0001, as the respective portion of the centrum is eroded in the other two specimens. Anocotylar foramina are present and are most prominent in the largest vertebra NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0001 (Fig. 59 A).

REMARKS These three vertebrae can be referred to Saniwa on the basis of their triangular centrum that widens anteriorly and the slight presence of “ pseudozygosphene ” and “ pseudozygantrum ” (Gilmore 1922; Rage & Augé 2003; Augé 2005). See Discussion below for further information on European material of Saniwa.

REFERRED SPECIMENS. — Three presacral vertebrae (NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0001 - NHMW 2019 / 0065 / 0003).