Orobates

Orobates is an extinct genus of diadectid. It lived in the middle Permian, about 260 million years ago. Its remains were found in Germany.

Description
A combination of primitive and derived traits makes Orobates the sister group of all Diadectidae, the most primitive known member of the family of generally large bodies herbivorous reptile like amphibians. It appears to have been part of an upland fauna, browsing on high fiber plants.[1] The trace fossil species Ichniotherium sphaerodactylum, from Bromacker in Germany has been attributed to Orobates, showing no dragmarks from the tail.[2] The genus was characterized by a long body and tail, with fairly short legs and a short skull compared to the more derived Diadectes. This indicates Orobates was less specialised for long treks compared to Diadectes.[2] A three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the holotype specimen allowed further analysis of the postcranium:[3] The whole animal weighed about 4 kg and likely carried most of its weight on the hind limbs. Mobility of the hip joint of the reconstructed holotype suggests similar limb function as can be observed in modern salamanders.