Erythrosuchus

Erythrosuchus is a genus of extinct archosauriform reptiles belonging to the family Erythrosuchidae. It lived in the Early Triassic, roughly 252 to 246 million years ago, not long after the Permian–Triassic mass extinction. The name means "red crocodile," reflecting its crocodile-like appearance and large teeth. Fossils have been found in southern Africa, particularly South Africa, where the type species Erythrosuchus africanus was described. Additional, more fragmentary material from Early Triassic deposits in other regions has contributed to understanding of the genus, but Erythrosuchus remains best known from South African remains.

Anatomically, Erythrosuchus was a large carnivore with a deep, robust skull sporting large, sharp teeth. The body was stout, with a long tail and relatively strong limbs, suggesting a capable, possibly semi-erect gait. Size estimates for adults place them at several meters in length, commonly around four to five meters, making it one of the larger predators of its time.

In terms of ecology, Erythrosuchus occupied an apex predator niche within Early Triassic ecosystems, preying on other reptiles and amniotes that survived the end-Permian crisis. Phylogenetically, it is placed within Erythrosuchidae, an early branch of archosauriforms close to the lineage that would give rise to true archosaurs. Its existence helps illustrate the rapid diversification of archosauriforms during the early Triassic and the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems after the mass extinction.