Telmasaurus grangeri was named in 1943 and is now known from several fossils.[1] Only two skulls are known, and the snout region is missing from both. Based on the size of these skulls, Telmasaurus was larger than other Cretaceous varanoid lizards, approaching the size of modern monitor lizards. Its skull is flatter than most other varanoids. The fusion of two bones in the skull called frontals links Telmasaurus with other early varanids like Paravaranus. The lacrimal bone of Telmasaurus has a single hole in it, as do those of other early varanoids. The vertebrae of Telmasaurus are also known, and the way they attach to each other is very different from the way those of modern monitor lizards do.[2] A small crest running between the eye sockets is a distinguishing feature of the genus.[3]
Classification
Telmasaurus was first classified in the family Varanidae, making it a close relative of living monitor lizards.[1] In a 1998 phylogenetic analysis, Telmasaurus was placed in a more basal position within Varanoidea. Under this placement, it was an intermediate form between helodermatids and the group containing monitor lizards and snakes. Below is a cladogram from the 1998 anaylis:
In a 2008 analysis, the basal positioning of Telmasaurus remained well supported, but it was grouped with another varanoid called Saniwides. Saniwides was once classified in Varanidae as a close relative of living monitor lizards. Other Cretaceous varanids like Cherminotus and Aiolosaurus are similar in appearance to Telmasaurus, but Telmasaurus is a more primitive member of Varanoidea. Below is a cladogram from the 2008 analysis:[4]
^Molnar, R.E. (2004). "The long and honorable history of monitors and their kin". In Pianka, E.R.; King, D.; King, R.A. (eds.). Varanoid Lizards of the World. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. pp. 10–67.
