Revision of the early crocodylomorph Trialestes romeri (Archosauria, Suchia) from the lower Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina: one of the oldest‐known crocodylomorphs

A detailed revision of the early crocodylomorph Trialestes romeri from Argentina's Ischigualasto Formation challenges prior classifications, confirming it as one of the oldest known non-crocodyliform crocodylomorphs. The study resolves debates about its phylogenetic placement and rejects earlier interpretations that suggested a mesotarsal ankle joint or dinosaurian affinities. Using comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, researchers positioned Trialestes within Crocodylomorpha, closer to Crocodyliformes than other early archosaurs like Pseudhesperosuchus. This work clarifies the species' taxonomic status and significance, highlighting it as one of the most complete early crocodylomorphs from the late Triassic period.

Lecuona, A., Ezcurra, M. D., & Irmis, R. B. (2016). Revision of the early crocodylomorph Trialestes romeri (Archosauria, Suchia) from the lower Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina: one of the oldest‐known crocodylomorphs. Papers in Palaeontology, 2(4), 585–622. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/spp2.1056