An advanced anuran from the Late Cretaceous (Santonian) of Hungary

A new anuran genus and species is described based on isolated ilia and tibio-fibulae from the Iharkut locality (Late Cretaceous, Santonian), Hungary, in the Csehbanya Formation. The distinctive ilium exhibits at least two autapomorphies: (1) an iliac crest that is heavily built, extremely high, and sculptured laterally by longitudinal grooves and bony ridges that anastomose posteriorly and (2) an interiliac tubercle that is huge and medially bears an extensive sutural surface developed at the level of the preacetabular region. Details of the iliac crest and ilioischiadic junction argue for the Hungarian frog being a member of the Neobatrachia and, possibly, closely related to ranoids. Based on ilial features, the Hungarian frog is interpreted as an aquatic form that descended from a more terrestrial, jumping ancestor. Assuming its higher level affinities are correct, the new Hungarian frog documents a significant temporal extension for neobatrachians in Europe from the late Palaeocene back into the Santonian.