Rutiodon by Moondawg

Rutiodon

Rutiodon is an extinct genus of archosaurian reptile belonging to the phytosaur (plant lizard) group of the Triassic era. It was up to 3 m long.

Like other phytosaurs, Rutiodon strongly resembled a crocodile, with the only exception being the fact that its nostrils were positioned close to the eyes. Because of its enlarged front teeth, it most closely resembled the gharial. It probably caught fish and also snatched land animals from the waterside.It was an ambush predator. The animal is known from fossils in Europe (Germany and Switzerland as well as North America (Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas). Its tail was covered with armour.