Taxonomic notes on Megapnosaurus and 'Syntarsus' (Theropoda: Coelophysidae)

The genus name Syntarsus Raath 1969 is preoccupied by the genus Syntarsus Fairmaire 1869. The replacement name Megapnosaurus Ivie et al. 2001 was proposed but its usage is inconsistent due to both controversy on the validity of the nomenclatural act proposing Megapnosaurus and possible synonymy between it and Coelophysis Cope 1889. The nomenclatural act proposing Megapnosaurus is found to be valid, while synonymy between the genera Megapnosaurus and Coelophysis is considered uncertain. Therefore, the names Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis and Coelophysis rhodesiensis are both considered possibly correct names for the type species of Syntarsus Raath 1969, though here the name Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis is preferred.