Pronunciation: ah-STIG-mah-SOR-uh
Meaning: Signless lizard
Author/s: Bellardini et al. (2025)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Neuquén Province, Argentina
Discovery Chart Position: #1184
Astigmasaura genuflexa
(Signless Lizard, Flexed at the Knee)Etymology
Astigmasaura is derived from the Greek "astigma" (without sign or mark) and "saura", the feminine form of "sauros" (lizard). The name alludes to the locality of El Orejano, a YPF S.A. oil field where the fossils were found: Orejano is a Spanish word used by ranchers to describe unmarked and thus ownerless animals—those without ear notches or brands that identify livestock. The species epithet, genuflexa (jen-oo-FLEX-uh), is derived from the Latin "genu" (knee) and "flecto" (to flex or bend), referring to the unusual backward-angled limb posture preserved in the holotype specimen.
Discovery
The first fossils of Astigmasaura were discovered in the Huincul Formation (Neuquén Group) at the El Orejano oil field, Neuquén Province, Argentina, by N. Márquez and C. Mabelini in 2017.
The holotype (MAU-Pv-EO-629) is incomplete but still connected, preserving most of the tail, much of the pelvis, both hind limbs, all foot bones, and a few toe claws.
Preparators
Technicians at the paleontological laboratory of the Museo Municipal "Argentino Urquiza" in the city of Rincón de los Sauces.
