Osteoderms of Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi (Crocodyliformes, Peirosauridae) from the Turonian-Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Bauru Basin, Brazil

• The skin of Crocodyliformes contains osteoderms of various sizes and shapes, that constitute a dermal shield.
• A well-preserved dermal shield of Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi from the Turonian-Santonian of Brazil is described.
• The dermal shield of Montealtosuchus served for protection and thermoregulation, allowing terrestrial locomotion.

The skin of Crocodyliformes is characterized by osteoderms of various sizes and shapes. It plays roles in defence, thermoregulation, sexual attraction, calcium reserves, and locomotion. This study presents the morphometric characteristics of osteoderms preserved in the nuchal, dorsal, ventral and appendicular shield of Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi, a Peirosauridae crocodyliform from the Turonian-Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Adamantina Formation, Bauru Basin, Brazil. The results of the analysis show that its dermal shield had protective and thermoregulatory functions and a well-defined mechanical function allowing terrestrial locomotion and enabling good agility and capacity for movement.

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