Tegutsevia

Tegutsevia is a genus of extinct reptiles that lived during the Permian period. These animals are known from fossilized remains found in Russia. The name Tegutsevia is derived from the Tegutsevo locality in the Perm Krai region of Russia, where the type species was discovered. Fossils of Tegutsevia are relatively rare, and much of our understanding comes from a limited number of specimens.

Tegutsevia is classified within the pareiasaur group, a diverse clade of herbivorous reptiles that were prominent in the late Paleozoic. Pareiasaurs are characterized by their stout bodies, short limbs, and often heavily armored skulls. Tegutsevia, like other pareiasaurs, likely had a terrestrial lifestyle and fed on plants. The exact phylogenetic position of Tegutsevia within the pareiasaur family tree is still a subject of ongoing research and debate among paleontologists.

The fossils indicate that Tegutsevia was a medium-sized animal for a pareiasaur, with an estimated body length of around one to two meters. Its skeletal structure suggests a robust build adapted for browsing on vegetation. The discovery of Tegutsevia contributes to our knowledge of the biodiversity and evolution of Permian terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in what is now Russia. Further discoveries of more complete skeletons could provide greater detail about its anatomy and life habits.