Ichniotherium tracks from the Permian of France, and their implications for understanding the locomotion and palaeobiogeography of large diadectomorphs

• Published in: Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology, 2020-06, Vol.547, p.109698, Article 109698
• Main Authors: Mujal, Eudald, Marchetti, Lorenzo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Central Pangaea; Diadectomorpha; Ichniotherium; Ichnotaxonomy; Late Palaeozoic; Lodève
• ISSN: 0031-0182; 1872-616X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2020.109698

The lower Permian continental succession of the Lodève Basin (southern France) contains a rich tetrapod ichnofossil record. In this paper, we re-describe ~20 large footprints from the Autunian (Asselian) Lunas locality using new data and photogrammetric techniques. Analysis of the best-preserved footprints permits the recognition of two trackways of Ichniotherium cottae and we compare this material with all known Carboniferous–Permian occurrences of the ichnogenus. The large size, slow gait, footprint arrangement and depth pattern inferred from the trackways are consistent with a primitive diadectomorph, and suggest a progressive adaptation to more terrestrial locomotion. A synapomorphy-based track-trackmaker correlation indicates Limnoscelis or analogous forms as possible trackmakers. These footprints increase our knowledge of the ichnofaunal diversity of central Pangaea. •Permian Ichniotherium tracks are reported from the Lodève Basin of France.•Among the largest Ichniotherium specimens, and the largest I. cottae knwon.•Tracks were probably produced by large basal diadectomorph reptiliomorphs.•The peculiar tracks depth pattern suggests progressive locomotion adaptation.•Tracks increase knowledge of tetrapod ichnofaunal diversity in central tropical Pangaea.