Deuterotetrapous plancus

†Deuterotetrapous plancus is an ichnogenus of tetrapod tracks from the Middle Triassic, representing one of the early archosaur or archosauriform trackmakers. These quadrupedal prints document early terrestrial vertebrate locomotion patterns shortly after the Permo-Triassic extinction. The trace fossils are used to infer gait, body posture, and ecological diversity of Triassic reptiles.

Time Period

Triassic Middle Mesozoic Era

Deuterotetrapous plancus lived during the Triassic Middle period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 247.2 to 237.0 million years ago.

The middle Triassic saw the continued recovery of life and the emergence of early dinosauriforms. Archosaurs diversified into the ancestors of both dinosaurs and crocodilians.