Vertebrate coprolites from the lower Permian (Lower Wolfcampian) Gallina Well locality, Joyita Hills, Socorro County, New Mexico

Vertebrate coprolites are the most common trace fossils found at the Lower Permian (middle Wolfcampian) Gallina Well locality in Socorro County, New Mexico (NMMNH locality 4668). Despite the relative abundance of coprolites at the locality, little attention has been paid to the coprolite ichno-assemblage. This ichno-assemblage includes the first occurrence of Dakyronocopros arroyoensis in New Mexico, the earliest appearance of Alococopros triassicus and occurrences of Heteropolacopros texaniensis and amorphous coprolites. The age and faunal associations of Alococopros triassicus from the Gallina Well locality refute earlier assertions that longitudinally-striated coprolite forms were produced by stem archosauromorphs and are restricted to the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.