| Osteolaemus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Dwarf crocodile | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Clade: | Archosauromorpha |
| Clade: | Archosauriformes |
| Order: | Crocodilia |
| Family: | Crocodylidae |
| Subfamily: | Osteolaeminae |
| Genus: | Osteolaemus Cope, 1861 |
| Type species | |
| Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861
| |
| Species | |
|
2, see text. | |
Osteolaemus is a genus of crocodiles.[1][2][3] They are small, secretive crocodiles that occur in wetlands of West and Middle Africa. They are commonly known as the African dwarf crocodiles.[2] Unlike other crocodiles, Osteolaemus are strictly nocturnal.[3]
Species
[edit]The following species are recognized as being valid.[1]
| Image | Scientific name | Common name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Osteolaemus osborni Schmidt, 1919 | Congo dwarf crocodile | Congo River basin of Central Africa |
 |
Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861 | dwarf crocodile, African dwarf crocodile, broad-snouted crocodile, bony crocodile | West Africa and Ogooué River basin of Central Africa |
- Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Osteolaemus.
Molecular data suggest that Osteolaemus tetraspis consists of two lineages that would warrant recognition as distinct species.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Osteolaemus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 3 January 2023.
- ^ a b c Eaton, Mitchell J.; Martin, Andrew; Thorbjarnarson, John & Amato, George (2009). "Species-level diversification of African dwarf crocodiles (genus Osteolaemus): A geographic and phylogenetic perspective". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 50 (3): 496–506. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2008.11.009. PMID 19056500.
- ^ a b Vitt, Laurie J. & Caldwell, Janalee P. (2014). Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (4th ed.). Academic Press. pp. 550–552. OCLC 839312807.
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction