Tarnetsuch

Tarnetsuchus barberi is a genus of extinct crocodyliform that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Fossil remains of this species have been discovered in the western United States, particularly in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana and the Lance Formation of Wyoming and South Dakota. Tarnetsuchus is notable for its relatively small size compared to other contemporary crocodyliforms, with estimates suggesting it reached lengths of around 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet).

The name Tarnetsuchus combines two elements: Tarnet, derived from the Blackfeet word for "badger," and suchus, the Greek term for crocodile. The species epithet, barberi, honors paleontologist Charles H. Barber, who contributed to the study of Cretaceous vertebrates. Fossil evidence indicates that Tarnetsuchus possessed a slender, elongated snout, which may have been adapted for a specialized diet, potentially including fish or small prey.

Like other crocodyliforms, Tarnetsuchus likely inhabited semi-aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, and floodplains. Its presence in the Late Cretaceous ecosystems suggests it coexisted with dinosaurs, including hadrosaurs and tyrannosaurs, as well as other crocodile relatives. The discovery of Tarnetsuchus provides insights into the diversity and ecological roles of crocodyliforms during this time period.

Paleontological research on Tarnetsuchus has been limited due to the scarcity of well-preserved fossils. However, its anatomical features contribute to understanding the evolutionary trends within crocodyliforms leading up to modern crocodiles. Studies of this genus help illuminate the broader ecological dynamics of the Late Cretaceous, particularly the interactions between predators and prey in the final chapter of the Mesozoic Era.