Selostavia

Selostavia is a genus of early tetrapod, a four-limbed vertebrate animal, that lived during the Late Devonian period, approximately 375 to 359 million years ago. Fossils of Selostavia have been discovered in the Gzhelian stage of the Carboniferous period, primarily in the Kirov Oblast region of Russia, though some remains have also been found in Poland. The genus is notable for its transitional anatomy, bridging the gap between fish-like ancestors and fully terrestrial vertebrates.

Selostavia is characterized by its elongated body, measuring up to about 1 meter in length, and its distinctive limb structure. Its limbs were relatively short but possessed multiple digits, suggesting an adaptation for both aquatic and terrestrial movement. The skull of Selostavia is flattened and broad, with a prominent snout, and it features a series of small, conical teeth suited for a carnivorous diet. Its ribcage was robust, providing support for a more upright posture compared to its fish-like predecessors.

The taxonomy of Selostavia was established in 2011 by a team of paleontologists led by Dmitry A. Averianov, who described the type species, *Selostavia poltawczeni*. This species is distinguished by its unique combination of primitive and derived traits, reflecting its position in the evolutionary lineage leading to modern amphibians and reptiles. Selostavia is classified within the order Colosteida, a group of early tetrapods that were among the first vertebrates to fully colonize land.

The discovery of Selostavia provides valuable insights into the adaptive radiation of early tetrapods as they transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Its fossil record helps scientists understand the evolutionary pressures and morphological changes that facilitated the colonization of land by vertebrates. While relatively few specimens have been identified, ongoing paleontological research continues to uncover new details about this intriguing genus.