The anatomy, phylogenetic relationships, and autecology of the carnivorous lizard “Saniwa” feisti Stritzke, 1983 from the Eocene of Messel, Germany

A re-examination of the Eocene lizard 'Saniwa' feisti from Messel, Germany, reveals it as a powerful, carnivorous stem monitor lizard with unique scalation and osteological features. Phylogenetic analysis places it within the Palaeovaranidae family, basal to modern varanids, suggesting convergent evolution of traits shared with helodermatids like Gila Monsters. Gut content analysis indicates a diet including small lizards, with gastric physiology hinting at high acidity but low enzyme activity. The study combines morphological and molecular data, offering new insights into the evolutionary history of carnivorous squamates.

SMITH, K. T., & HABERSETZER, J. (2021). The anatomy, phylogenetic relationships, and autecology of the carnivorous lizard “Saniwa” feisti Stritzke, 1983 from the Eocene of Messel, Germany. Comptes Rendus Palevol, (23). https://doi.org/10.5852/cr-palevol2021v20a23