stylophoransuch

Stylophoransuch is a genus of extinct crocodylomorph that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Brazil. Its name, meaning "stylus-bearing crocodile," refers to the distinctive, elongated, and pointed projections on its skull. These structures are unlike anything seen in other known crocodylomorphs and their exact function remains a subject of scientific debate.

The type species, Stylophoransuch madseni, was described in 2008 based on fossil remains including a partial skull and vertebrae. Analysis of the skull morphology suggests that Stylophoransuch may have possessed a unique feeding strategy or display behavior related to these cranial ornaments. Its overall body plan appears to be that of a typical semi-aquatic crocodylomorph, though specific details about its lifestyle are limited due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil record.

Stylophoransuch is classified within the Notosuchia, a diverse group of extinct crocodylomorphs that flourished in Gondwana during the Cretaceous. Its discovery contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary experimentation and morphological diversity within this group, particularly in the South American Cretaceous ecosystems. Further fossil discoveries are needed to fully elucidate the biology and evolutionary significance of Stylophoransuch.