malariasuch

Malariasuch is a genus of extinct crocodyliforms that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Argentina. The name "malariasuch" refers to the malaria-infested swamps where its fossils were discovered. This ancient reptile is known from fossilized remains, including skull fragments and vertebrae. It belonged to the group Notosuchia, a diverse clade of terrestrial crocodylomorphs characterized by their often robust builds and specialized cranial features.

The skeletal anatomy of malariasuch suggests it was a medium-sized predator, likely adapted to a terrestrial or semi-aquatic lifestyle. Its snout was relatively broad, and its teeth were adapted for gripping and tearing flesh. The exact placement of malariasuch within Notosuchia is a subject of ongoing research, but it shares characteristics with other South American notosuchians. Fossil evidence indicates that malariasuch inhabited floodplains and river systems, preying on smaller vertebrates. The environment it lived in was warm and humid, supporting a rich ecosystem of dinosaurs and other reptiles. The discovery of malariasuch has contributed to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of crocodyliforms in Gondwana during the Cretaceous.