Genus: Australothyris MODESTO, SCOTT & REISZ, 2009
Etymology: Latin, australis, "the south, the south wind" and Greek, thyris,
"opening"; in reference to the presence of temporal fenestrae in this South
Africna parareptile.
Species: smithi MODESTO, SCOTT & REISZ, 2009
Etymology: In honor of Roger M. H. Smith in recognition of his extensive contributions
to Karoo paleontology.
Holotype: SAM-PK-K8302
Locality: Farm Beukesplass, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
Horizon: Upper levels of the Abrahamskraal Formation, Beaufort Group, Karoo Supergroup.
Biostratigraphy: Tapinocephalus zone
Age: Early Tatarian age, Guadelupian Stage, Middle Zeichstein Epoch, Middle Permian.
Material: Skull with occluded mandible and associated postcranial elements.