Dryolestidae Marsh 1879

Dryolestidae indet.

(Fig. 34 C-F)

DESCRIPTION

Dryolestidae are represented by only two fragmentary molars lacking the roots and the talonid (Fig. 34 C-F). Based on the configuration of the trigonid and the lack of a cuspid in median position on the labial side of the molars,those teeth are considered to be left lower molars (Kielan-Jaworowska et al. 2004). Both lower molars are shorter mesiodistally than wide labiolingually, but the most posterior molar(ANG M-01; Fig.34 E-F)is strongly shortened and widened compared to the anterior molar (ANG M-05; Fig. 34C, D). This feature is diagnostic of Dryolestidae (Kielan-Jaworowska et al. 2004). The trigonid is well-developed in both lower molars.The paraconid of the posterior molar ANG M-01 is broken at its base, but it is labiolingually more elongated than the metaconid. Both are separated by a narrow incision (Fig.34E). The metaconid is enlarged and almost as high as the protoconid (Fig. 34F). Based on these features, the dryolestid molars from Angeac-Charente seem more closely related to either Guimarotodus from the Kimmeridgian of Guimarota in Portugal (Martin 1999) or Phascolestes from the Berriasian of Dorset in England (Owen 1871; Kielan-Jaworowska et al. 2004) than any other Dryolestidae. However, additional material is required to allow a more accurate attribution.