Digital reconstruction of the endocranial anatomy of the neosuchian crocodyliform Pholidosaurus purbeckensis

In this contribution, we present new information on the endocranial anatomy of Pholidosaurus purbeckensis, a basal member of the Family Pholidosauridae known from the Early Cretaceous of the United Kingdom and possibly France. To date there is no general consensus on the phylogenetic position of Pholidosauridae, with two principal hypotheses: one considers the clade as more strictly related to Dyrosauridae forming the group Tethysuchia, the second one supports a closer relationship of pholidosaurids with Goniopholididae, clustering them together in the taxon Coelognathosuchia. The here studied specimen comes from the Purbeck Limestone Group of the UK. Thanks to the first digital endocast reconstruction of a Pholidosauridae member, we provide new interesting details on the species’ phylogenetic relationships and ecological adaptations. Notably, a pair of dorsolateral expansions in the olfactory region have been identified, which may serve as osteological correlates for hypertrophied nasal salt glands, similar to those characterising some thalattosuchians. Additionally, we highlight a potential exit pathway for saline secretions at the level of the maxillary depression. Overall, these findings suggest a higher tolerance for saltwater in Pholidosaurus, with implications for its palaeoecology and biogeographical history.