Illatoontalonidae

Illatoontalonidae is a taxonomic family name used in paleontology to refer to a small, obscure group of extinct reptiles (or tetrapods). The family name is derived from the type genus Illatoontalon and follows standard zoological nomenclature for families. The validity and composition of Illatoontalonidae are subject to ongoing debate, with different phylogenetic analyses yielding varying results. In some classifications the family is placed within Archosauromorpha, while others treat it as a loosely defined assemblage of fragmentary reptile remains of uncertain affinity.

Diagnosis and morphology are based on limited fossil material, typically isolated postcranial elements or partial skulls. Because the remains are fragmentary, diagnostic features are often ambiguous, and the genus-level assignment remains provisional. Reports emphasize a combination of skeletal traits rather than a single diagnostic character, which has contributed to the unstable taxonomy.

Geographic and stratigraphic records for Illatoontalonidae are sparse, and the supposed members are known from a few poorly preserved specimens. As a result, many researchers caution against over-interpretation of the group's diversity or ecology. The paleobiology of Illatoontalonidae, including its probable lifestyle, habitat, and locomotion, remains speculative pending more complete fossils.

Taxonomic status may change with new discoveries or revised analyses. Illatoontalonidae illustrates the challenges of classifying fragmentary fossil taxa and the tentative nature of some early reptile group names.