Dawson, Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. London, 1882. pl. 11, p. 634.
Credner, Zeit. d. deutsch. geol. Gesell., 1890 (IX Theil, die Stegocephalen und Saurier).
Type: Hylonomus lyelli Dawson.
The genus Hylonomus is a very important one from a taxonomic viewpoint, since it was regarded by Dawson ([216, p. 635]) as the typical genus of the order Microsauria, the most abundant group in the Carboniferous. Unfortunately the species of the genus Hylonomus are known only from fragmentary remains. I have reproduced in [plate 9] Dawson's figures of the remains of Hylonomus as published by him in 1891.
Dawson ([216]) gave, in 1882, the following definition of the genus Hylonomus: "Form lizard-like, with the posterior limbs somewhat large in proportion to the anterior. Size, small. Mandibular and maxillary teeth numerous, small, conical, pointed. Palatal teeth minute. Abdominal scales oval."
MOODIE
Hylonomus lyelli Dawson. 1, maxillæ and skull bones; 1a, sternal bones; 2, mandible; 3, humerus, ribs, and vertebræ; 4, posterior limb; 5, pelvis; 6, caudal vertebræ. Nearly natural size. Erect tree, Coal formation, South Joggins, Nova Scotia. Photograph by Dawson, published through the courtesy of Dr. Arthur Willey. Original in the British Museum.