Re-assessment of Silphoictidoides ruhuhuensis von Huene, 1950 (Therapsida, Therocephalia) from the Late Permian of Tanzania: one of the most basal baurioids known

Abstract The known material of the small therocephalian Silphoictidoides ruhuhuensis von Huene, 1950, is re-investigated. Additional description of the cranial osteology and a new diagnosis of the taxon are provided. It is demonstrated that contrary to recent claims Silphoictidoides represents a valid genus that is so far endemic to the Ruhuhu Basin and distinct from any described forms from the South African Karoo Basin. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the genus is one of the most basal known representatives of the important therocephalian clade Baurioidea.