Limnosuchus

Limnosuchus is an extinct genus of crocodilian reptile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils attributed to Limnosuchus have been found in North America, specifically in deposits from what is now Montana and Wyoming. The genus was first described by paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs in 1906, based on partial remains.

The name Limnosuchus translates to "lake crocodile," reflecting the ancient environment where its fossils were discovered. These environments were likely characterized by freshwater lakes and rivers, common during the Cretaceous. Limnosuchus belonged to the family Goniopholididae, a group of semi-aquatic crocodilians that were widespread during the Mesozoic Era.

As a member of this family, Limnosuchus would have resembled modern crocodiles but possessed some distinct anatomical features. Its exact size and appearance are not fully understood due to the fragmentary nature of the fossils. However, it is believed to have been a moderately sized crocodilian, adapted for life in and around freshwater bodies.

Limnosuchus is known from limited fossil evidence, primarily consisting of vertebral elements and some cranial fragments. This scarcity of material has made detailed studies of its paleobiology and precise phylogenetic relationships challenging. Nonetheless, its presence contributes to our understanding of crocodilian diversity and evolution during the Late Cretaceous in North America. The genus is considered valid but remains poorly known.