The remains of a hitherto unknown species of pterosaur, which lived about a hundred million years ago, have been discovered in northeastern Australia.

The remains of the flying reptile were found in 2021 in western Queensland. Through bone analysis, it was possible to identify the new type, which is A Haleskia peterseni His name was “Halyskia” referring to an ancient Greek flying creature that casts a shadow over the sea, and “Petersini” comes from the name of Kevin Petersen, curator at the Kronosaurus Corner Museum, who discovered the bones.

The wingspan of this primitive flying reptile was 4.6 metres. Adele Pentland, head of the research group, said that this terrifying predator lived in the area for a hundred million years, which was then still covered by an inland sea.

About 22 percent of the remains of the specimen that lived at the end of the Early Cretaceous period were excavated. Among the Australian findings, this is the most complete pterosaur remains to date – experts confirm Scientific reports Regarding the results published in the journal.

Excavated remains

Scientific reports

The entire lower jaw of the pterosaur, the tip of the upper jaw, 43 teeth, vertebrae, ribs, wing bones and part of one of its legs were found. In addition, thin, delicate bones were also found in its throat, indicating that it may have had a muscular tongue, which helped it eat fish and cephalopods.

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