O. G. Dely szerk.: Vertebrata Hungarica 21. (Budapest, 1982)

Čkhikvadze, V.M.: On findings of fossil Cryptobranchidae in the USSR and Mongolia 63-68. o.

transversal processes (from anterior to posterior) is observed in the recent salamanders also (

Andrias japonicu

s, Hynobius keyserlingi

i). Predyhapophyses preserved in one specimen only. Lateral edges of predyhapophyses hardly wider than the vertebral centrum. The same specimen has a high spinal keel (the spinal process is damaged). Humerus with well preserved epyphyses, diaphysis body slightly bent. Proximal end slightly widened, distal end twice the proximal width. On distal end a large facet for articulation with the ulna and another smaller one with a radius. Deltapterygoideal keel poorly expressed. Femur has similarly widened proximal and distal ends. Trochanter finger-shaped, transversely rounded; sometimes with a keel proceeding to the diaphysis body. Remarks. The holotype Zalssanurus bellajeva

e somewhat differs from the other locations (the longitudinal narrow gap between the end of cartilago Meckelii's chute and symphysis). The lack of data on variations of ostelogical structures in recent species complicates the evaluation of the taxonomic significance of this sign. Here it is noteworthy to emphasize a very important moment which was overlooked by investigators of giant salamanders of Central Europe. On the one hand, all findings of the fossil forms of Central Europe were attributed to the species Andrias scheuchzeri

, and on the other hand in North America several extinct species have been described. Such a disproportion (taxonomic inflation) provides reasons to think that these very interesting amphibians are still poorly studied. Dissemination. The Lower Oligocene, Aksyr suite (upper part) and Kustovian suite. Localities. Konur-Kura, Kusto-Kyzylkain, Tayzhurgen, Kara-Biruk, Kyin-Kerish, Aksyr (all sites in Zaisan hollow). Genus: Andria

s Tschudi, 1837 Composition of Genus - four species: Andrias scheuchzer

i. A. japonicu

s, A. davldianu

s, A. karelcapek

i sp.nov. Andrias karelcapeki sp.nov. (Plate III: Fig. 9-10) Species name after the prominent Czechoslovak writer Karel CAPEK (1890-1938), author of the satyrical science-fiction novel "The War with Salamanders". Holotype. A right upper jaw bone (maxillare): collection of IP N° 7-49-3; Lower Miocene, Akzhar suite; location Konur-Kura, point "Vympel" (Zaisan hollow, East Kazakhstan). Collected in 1980. Description. Nostril large. Upper process of the maxillare large, rounded, without the cotyle for antero-lateral process of frontale. Posterior process of maxillare short and relatively wide. Vertebrae deeply amphycoelous. Ventral and lateral surfaces of vertebrae centrum almost smooth, the cotyles and holes poorly marked. Comparison. Differs from all other known species because of the lack of the cotyle on the dorsal processus of maxillare for antero-lateral process of the frontale. Andrias karelcapeki shows resemblance with A. davidianu

s (posterior process of maxillare short and relatively wide). Dissemination. Lower Miocene, Akzhar suite. Locations: "Vympel", "Poltinnik", "Tri bogatyrja" et al. (Zaisan hollow, East Kazakhstan). V PLATE II. Zaissanurus beliajeva

e Cernov, 1959. - Fig. 4. Vomer and parasphenoide, Fig. 5. Atlas (View from below and frontal view), Fig. 6. Body vertebrae (View from below and side view) PLATE III. Zaissanurus bellajeva

e Cernov, 1959. - Fig. 7. Humerus, Fig. 8. Femur Andrias karelcapek

i sp.nov. - Fig. 9. Holotype, IP N° 7-49-3. Maxillare (From top and below), Fig. 10. Vertebra (From side and below). Both from the location Konur-Kura, point "Vympel", Lower Miocene All photographs are of actual size