A new delta-headed branchiosaurid temnospondyl from the early Permian Meisenheim Formation of Germany

Two temnospondyl specimens from the Ruthweiler deposit (M8) in the early Permian Meisenheim Formation of the Saar-Nahe Basin are identified as pertaining to a new branchiosaurid taxon, Schoenfelderpeton brevifrons . They are distinct from all other temnospondyls in the region by the delta-shaped skull, small orbits, and short frontals. The maxilla fails to contact the cheek and has tiny, pin-shaped teeth, a feature that persists in the mature specimen. Schoenfelderpeton brevifrons is found to nest with Leptorophus and “ Melanerpeton ” humbergense and forms the sister taxon to Schoenfelderpeton prescheri , with which it shares the short gape, open cheek, and an emarginated squamosal embayment.