Storchodon

Storchodon is an extinct genus of morganucodont mammaliaforms from the Late Jurassic of Germany. Its only species is Storchodon cingulatus, which is known exclusively from a single upper molar found at the Süntel Formation of Lower Saxony.

Etymology

The generic name Storchodon honours the German palaeontologist Gerhard Storch, whereas the specific epithet cingulatus is a reference to the prominent cingulum of the molar.

Description

Storchodon was large for a morganucodont; the holotype molar has a length of, which among morganucodonts is exceeded only by the holotype of Paceyodon davidi. This large size may be a case of insular gigantism. As in other morganucodonts, the molar has a triconodont shape, with the three main cusps A, B and C being set in a straight line. Cusp D is relatively large, and unlike in for example Morganucodon, it is placed at an oblique angle relative to the main cusps.