A short limbed lizard from the Lystrosaurus Zone (Lower Triassic) of South Africa

Colubrifer campi n. gen. et. n. sp. from the Lystrosaurus zone (Lower Triassic) of South Africa is described on the basis of a nearly complete skeleton. Unlike other primitive lepidosaurs, the humerus and femur are relatively short and the trunk region is elongate, with approximately 27 presacral vertebrae. The palate, occiput and base of the braincase resemble those of the Upper Triassic lizard Kuehneosaurus. The delayed coossification of the scapula and coracoid, the integration of the astragalus and calcaneum into a single functional element, and the expansion of the distal end of the paroccipital processes are features of advanced lizards.