An advanced anuran from the Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) Csehbánya Formation (Iharkút, Bakony Mountains)

Abstract

In this paper a new anuran genus and species is described, based on isolated ilia and tibio-fibulae from the Iharkút
locality (Late Cretaceous, Santonian), Hungary, in the Csehbánya Formation. This distinctive ilium exhibits at least two
autapomorphoses: (1) an iliac crest which is heavily built, extremely high, and sculptured laterally by longitudinal
grooves and, posteriorly, anastomose ridges and (2) an interiliac tubercle that is huge and medially bears on extensive
sutural surface developed at the level of the proacetabular region. Details of the iliac crest and ilioischiadic junction
suggest a type of frog which is a member of the Neobatrachia and possibly, closely related to ranoids. Based on its ilial
features, this Hungarian frog can be interpreted as an aquatic form that descended from a more terrestrial, jumping
ancestor. Assuming that its higher level affinities are correct, the new Hungarian frog indicates a significant temporal
extension for neobatrachians in Europe from the late Palaeocene back into the Santonian.