First discovery of Phyllospondyli in upper Paleozoic of Kazakhstan

A collection of small amphibian fossils (Pelosaurus laticeps Credner) is reported from fine-grained sandstones and siltstones 130 km north of Alma Ata on the left bank of the Kurtinka river, Kazakhstan. P. laticeps is also known from lower Permian beds in Germany and France, and its identification permits the dating of the Kurtinka beds as lower Permian. On the basis of a number of features including non-labyrinthine teeth and a lack of lateral-line organs, it is suggested that the Order Phyllospondyli be revived to include these specimens and other branchiosaurs.—N. Hotton, III.