New Prehistoric Reptile 'Witch Croc' Discovered in New Mexico
A team of paleontologists has identified a new species of prehistoric reptile, Labrujasuchus expectatus, from fossils discovered in New Mexico. The species, which lived approximately 212 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period, is a relative of modern crocodiles despite possessing a body plan similar to that of certain dinosaurs.
Discovery and Location
The remains of Labrujasuchus expectatus were uncovered in a quarry at Ghost Ranch, a 21,000-acre site in north-central New Mexico, in 2006. Ghost Ranch has been a productive fossil site since the late 19th century; notably, paleontologist Edwin H. Colbert discovered over a thousand skeletons of the dinosaur Coelophysis there in 1947. The findings were published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
"Ghost Ranch has been a productive fossil site since the late 19th century."
Physical Description and Classification
Labrujasuchus expectatus walked on two legs, possessed a toothless beak, and had small arms. The species belongs to the Shuvosauridae group, a branch of the crocodile lineage (archosaurs) that split from the ancestors of modern crocodiles and alligators. Despite its dinosaur-like appearance, it is not a dinosaur.
The name Labrujasuchus expectatus translates to "witch croc." The species is the fifth identified shuvosaur species and is considered to fill a temporal gap between two previously known shuvosaurs from the region.
Distinction from Related Species
Closer analysis of the remains revealed subtle differences in the humerus and other bones that distinguish it from the two previously known North American shuvosaurid species, according to Alan Turner, a professor of anatomical sciences at Stony Brook University who led the study.
"Closer analysis of the remains revealed subtle differences in the humerus and other bones."
Diet and Lifestyle
Researchers have not determined the reptile's diet. Lead author Alan Turner noted that birds with beaks can be predators, suggesting the species may have been carnivorous or a scavenger.
Scientific Significance
The discovery provides additional data on the diversity of ancient reptiles and demonstrates convergent evolution, where unrelated animals develop similar body plans. Co-author Nate Smith noted that the species name "expectatus" reflects that paleontologists had anticipated finding such an intermediate form based on the existing fossil record.
"The species name 'expectatus' reflects that paleontologists had anticipated finding such an intermediate form."