[Paleontology • 2026] Uragasaurus kalasinensis • A New mamenchisaurid Sauropod (Sauropoda: Mamenchisauridae) from the Lower Phu Kradung Formation, Upper Jurassic of northeastern Thailand

Uragasaurus kalasinensis

Nilpanapan, Manitkoon, Suteethorn & Lauprasert, 2026

 

อุรคาซอรัส กาฬสินธุ์เอนซิส  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-49822-3

 Artwork by Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn (Jæsica ẞababi: x.com/Peak4651).

Abstract

Mamenchisauridae is a group of long-necked non-neosauropodan eusauropod dinosaurs that were abundant in East Asia during the Middle to Late Jurassic, but their diversity and geographic distribution outside China remain poorly documented. Here we describe Uragasaurus kalasinensis gen. et sp. nov., a new sauropod dinosaur from the Phu Kradung Formation of northeastern Thailand. The new taxon is based on a well-preserved anterior dorsal vertebra exhibiting a distinctive combination of characters, including a unique Y-shaped configuration formed by the intraprezygapophyseal and single intraprezygapophyseal laminae and a camellate internal pneumatic structure within the centrum revealed by computed tomography (CT). Phylogenetic analyses recover the new taxon as an early-diverging member of Mamenchisauridae. This discovery represents the first formally named mamenchisaurid from Thailand and expands the known geographic distribution of the clade in Southeast Asia. The occurrence of this taxon in the Lower part of the Phu Kradung Formation also contributes to understanding faunal succession within the unit, supports an Upper Jurassic age for the lower part of the formation, and improves understanding of sauropod diversity in Southeast Asia during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition.

Keywords: Sauropoda, Mamenchisauridae, Upper Jurassic, Phu Kradung Formation, Northeastern Thailand

Holotype of Uragasaurus kalasinensis (PRC 460) and associated materials in the quarry map. PRC 460 Anterior dorsal vertebra in anterior view (a), KS 34-581 anterior dorsal neural arch in anterior view (b), KS 34-602a middle cervical vertebra in ventral view (c), KS 34-586 anterior dorsal neural arch in anterior view, attached by KS 34-588 fibula (d), KS 34-587 coracoid in lateral view (e), KS 34-602b right cervical rib in lateral view (f).

Uragasaurus kalasinensis gen. et sp. nov.

อุรคาซอรัส กาฬสินธุ์เอนซิส

 

Holotype: The isolated anterior dorsal vertebra PRC 460 has been housed at the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre (PRC), Mahasarakham University, Thailand. Following standard paleontological protocols, the vertebrae were mechanically prepared using pneumatic tools and fine brushes to remove the surrounding sediment matrix.

 

Locality: Phu Noi Locality, Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand (16.93298° N, 103.72327° E).

Horizon: Lower part of the Phu Kradung Formation, Khorat Group.

Age: Latest Jurassic, based on regional stratigraphic correlations and the composition of the vertebrate assemblage; precise chronostratigraphic constraints remain uncertain.

Diagnosis: Uragasaurus kalasinensis gen. et sp. nov. is a mamenchisaurid sauropod diagnosed by the following unique combination of characters (autapomorphy is marked by *): (1) anterior dorsal vertebra with prominent, elongated teardrop-shaped pneumatic fossae on the distal portion of the transverse processes*; (2) intraprezygapophyseal laminae (tprl) meeting ventromedially to form a Y-shaped configuration in anterior view, incorporating a single vertical intraprezygapophyseal lamina (stprl); and (3) shallow, subtriangular pleurocoel lacking an internal septum.

Etymology: The genus name “Uraga” originates from the Sanskrit word उरग, meaning “snake” or “serpent”, referring to the distinguished long neck of the family. The term “saurus” is derived from the Greek word saûros, meaning lizard. The specific epithet refers to Kalasin Province, where the specimens are from.

Holotype of Uragasaurus kalasinensis (PRC 460) and associated materials in the quarry map. PRC 460 Anterior dorsal vertebra in anterior view (a), KS 34-581 anterior dorsal neural arch in anterior view (b), KS 34-602a middle cervical vertebra in ventral view (c), KS 34-586 anterior dorsal neural arch in anterior view, attached by KS 34-588 fibula (d), KS 34-587 coracoid in lateral view (e), KS 34-602b right cervical rib in lateral view (f).
Quarry map showing the spatial distribution of the holotype and associated materials from the Phu Noi Locality (g). PRC 460, representing the new taxon Uragasaurus kalasinensis, is indicated in red. Associated sauropod elements include KS 34-586, KS 34-587, KS 34-588, and KS 34-602a–b, highlighted in yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink, respectively. The inset shows a close-up of the excavation grid highlighting the relative positions of the holotype and nearby associated materials. Each grid square represents 0.75 × 0.75 m.

Life reconstruction of a herd of five individuals of Uragasaurus kalasinensis inhabiting a Late Jurassic forest in Thailand, accompanied by a pair of rhamphorhynchoid pterosaurs and a metriacanthosaurid theropod.

 Artwork by Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn (Jæsica ẞababi).

Apirut Nilpanapan, Sita Manitkoon, Varavudh Suteethorn and Komsorn Lauprasert. 2026. A New mamenchisaurid Sauropod from the Lower Phu Kradung Formation, Upper Jurassic of northeastern Thailand. Scientific Reports. 16: 21205. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-49822-3 [08 July 2026]

 x.com/Peak4651/status/2074902585660919922

[Paleontology • 2026] Zhengheornis buyu • Jurassic Avialan reveals stepwise Evolution of Bony Tail in Birds

Zhengheornis buyu

Wang, Tang, Deng, Dong, L. Xu, X. Xu, M. Lin,  Du, G. Lin, Chen, Zhang & Zhou, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb5202 

Abstract

The evolutionary assembly of the flight-adapted bird body plan encompasses some of the most profound morphological changes in terrestrial vertebrate history. Beyond feathered wings, the short pygostyle-bearing tail has been pivotal to the clade’s ecological success. However, transition from the long bony tail to the short pygostyle-bearing tail remains a mystery, hindered by the scarcity of early branching avialans with transitional morphologies. Here, we report on a new avialan, Zhengheornis buyu, gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Jurassic of southeastern China, suggesting that the vertebral reduction and shortening preceded pygostyle fusion in early avialan evolution, providing critical evidence for the stepwise evolution of the bird tail. Z. buyu is smaller than all known non-pygostylian paravians, expanding the species and body size diversity of stemward taxa.

Systematics

Theropoda Marsh, 1881  

Maniraptora Gauthier, 1986  

Avialae Gauthier, 1986 

Zhengheornis buyu gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: “Zhenghe” (Mandarin), referring to Zhenghe Country, where the holotype specimen was found; “ornis,” bird (Greek); “buyu,” unexpected (Mandarin), from the ancient Chinese book Guoyu, referring to the unique tail and pelvic morphologies preserved in this species. 

Holotype: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) V34168, an articulated and partially complete skeleton (most limb bones are preserved as molds) with feathers preserved on a slab and counter slab (Fig. 1, figs. S1 and S2, and table S1). 

Locality and horizon: Near Yangyuan Village, Zhenghe Country, Nanping City, Fujian Province; Upper Jurassic, Nanyuan Formation [Tithonian stage]. 

Diagnosis: IVPP V34168 is distinguishable from all other paravians in the following combination of characters (*denotes probable autapomorphy): short tail comprising 15 vertebrae that is shorter than the hindlimb (combined length of femur, tibia, and metatarsal III)*; middle and posterior caudal vertebrae less elongate (opposite to the condition in other long tailed avialans); final two caudal vertebrae box-like*; manual phalanx III-1 shorter than III-2, opposite to the condition in Archaeopteryx and Fujianvenator [the three manual digits of maniraptorans are here identified as I, II, and III, as in (Tamura, et al. 2011)]; manual phalanx III-3 50% longer than III-2 (the length ratio greater than 2 in Anchiornis and Archaeopteryx); slender ischium that has a knob-like, distally located obturator process and lacks the posterior process*; short fibula that terminates far proximal to the ankle; metatarsal I that articulates at the distal third of metatarsal II; metatarsal II that ends far proximal to metatarsal III trochlea; short hallux with an ungual that is smaller than that of other pedal digits; and robust digit II that has the longest non-ungual (II-2) and ungual pedal phalanges.

 

Min Wang, Jianrong Tang, Ke Deng, Liping Dong, Liming Xu, Xing Xu, Min Lin, Honggang Du, Ganmin Lin, Runsheng Chen, Chi Zhang and Zhonghe Zhou. 2026. Jurassic Avialan reveals stepwise Evolution of Bony Tail in Birds. Science Advances. 12(27); DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb5202 [1 Jul 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Gondwananectes osvaldoi • A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

Otero, Acuña, Vargas, Rojas, Ortiz & Aguirrezabala, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 

 x.com/ThePalAss

Abstract 

Cryptoclidia (Plesiosauria, Plesiosauroidea) was a major clade of marine reptiles that originated during the Jurassic. The early evolution of Cryptoclidia is documented by records of Cryptoclididae from the Middle Jurassic (174.7–165.1 Ma) and onwards in Europe, the Caribbean and South America. However, the origin of Cryptoclidia itself has remained obscure. Only some traits shared with Cryptoclidia are found in the Toarcian (184.2–174.7 Ma) taxa Plesiopterys wildi and Franconiasaurus brevispinus, from southern Europe. Here we describe a small-bodied sub-adult skeleton belonging to a new plesiosaurian taxon from the Middle Jurassic (c. 170 Ma) of the Atacama Desert (former southwestern Gondwana). The new taxon has single-headed ribs in its axial skeleton, and its combination of novel and ancestral features place it as the sister taxon of Cryptoclidia. The lower Bajocian stage, the phylogenetic position of the new taxon, as well as its palaeogeographic occurrence, point to an older origin and dispersal of Cryptoclidia ancestors, reinforcing the notion that an early Caribbean corridor between the Pacific and Tethyan realms was already functional during the Middle Jurassic.

Keywords: marine reptile, plesiosaurian, phylogeny, Middle Jurassic, Gondwana, palaeogeography

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

 

Rodrigo A. Otero, Sergio Soto Acuña, Alexander O. Vargas, Jennyfer Rojas, Héctor Ortiz, Guillermo Aguirrezabala. 2026. A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 [08 March 2026] 

x.com/ThePalAss/status/2031413080001823092

[Paleontology • 2026] The early Origin of Iguanodontia: new insights into the Macroevolution, Diversity and Biogeography of the clade

in  Rotatori, Chiarenza, Fanti et Moreno-Azanza. 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70057

Artwork by Davide Bonadonna

 

Abstract

Iguanodontia (Dinosauria, Ornithischia) is a speciose group of herbivorous dinosaurs that include the famous genus Iguanodon, one of foundational members of the clade Dinosauria. Despite their very long history of research, several aspects of their systematic relationships and their evolutionary history remain somewhat nebulous. There is currently a lack of consensus between different phylogenetic matrices due mainly to: (1) undersampling of postcranial characters; and (2) the absence of several key taxa. We assembled a data matrix from pre-existing datasets, integrating our observations on several overlooked species (mainly from Europe) and extensively sampling cranial and postcranial characters, thereby creating one of the most complete datasets for iguanodontian dinosaurs to date. We performed a series of phylogenetic analyses, employing maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, and an historical biogeographic analysis. Overall congruent topologies between the two methods recovered, for the first time, a new clade of high-sailed styracosternans here named Ouranosauria. We ran different Bayesian inference analyses, employing morphoclock and fossilized birth–death models. Some of the tip-dated analyses, indicated an Early to Middle Jurassic origin of Iguanodontia during a palaeoclimatically (hyperthermal) and palaeogeographically (continental fragmentation) dynamic context. According to this scenario, the Iguanodontian major radiation could be tracked back to the Pliensbachian–Toarcian, pre-dating by 16 million years the first ichnological evidence attributed to this clade. Furthermore, the diversification of all the major clades occurred by the Late Jurassic, then experienced local extinction events in different areas during the Early Cretaceous. Prior to the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition, iguanodontians spread globally.

Keywords: Dinosauria, phylogenetics, Jurassic, Cretaceous, systematics, Iguanodontia

Filippo Maria Rotatori, Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, Federico Fanti and Miguel Moreno-Azanza. 2026. The early Origin of Iguanodontia: new insights into the Macroevolution, Diversity and Biogeography of the clade. Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70057 [22 April 2026] 

[Paleontology • 2026] Indosinosuchus peninsularensis • A new teleosaurid (Crocodylomorpha: Thalattosuchia) from the Sibumasu Terrane of Southeast Asia and A Taxonomic Reassessment of Indosinosuchus

 

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis 

Lauprasert, Nilpanapan, Martin, Claude, Kamonlak Wongko, Kantanat Trakunweerayut, Dobutr, Manitkoon, Bhuttarach & Nonsrirach, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20944  

 facebook.com/Lauprasert

Abstract 

We describe teleosaurid remains from the Middle to Upper Jurassic Khlong Min Formation at Ban Nam Pun in southern Thailand and define Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. This new species is diagnosed by a unique combination of cranial and postcranial features, including the nasal reaching anteriorly at the level of the 18th maxillary alveolus, absence of an incisive foramen, oval-shaped external nares, and broad ornamented osteoderms. Phylogenetic analysis positions I. peninsularensis within a polytomy alongside Mystriosaurus laurillardi and other Asian teleosaurids, supporting a monophyletic Teleosauroidea. In addition, the revision of Indosinosuchus kalasinensis as a junior synonym of I. potamosiamensis also strengthens the taxonomic framework of the genus Indosinosuchus. Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov., discovered in a low-energy lagoonal environment, offers significant insights on the ecological preferences of teleosaurids. In contrast to the fluvially deposited Phu Kradung Formation of northeastern Thailand, the lagoonal and marginal marine sediments of the Khlong Min Formation are considered indicative of a broad spectrum of habitat occupation by Asian teleosauroids. Based on these observations, a high degree of ecological plasticity has been inferred for Thai teleosaurids, and their extensive dispersal across both the Sibumasu and Indochina terranes during the Middle to Late Jurassic has been further substantiated. The recognition of I. peninsularensis sp. nov. contributes to our understanding of teleosaurid diversity and paleobiogeography in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Indosinosuchus, Khlong Min Formation, Sibumasu, Phu Kradung Formation, Indochina

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. from the Khong Min Formation, Ban Nam Pun, southern Thailand. Photographs and interpretive drawings of Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. from the Khong Min Formation, Ban Nam Pun, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand.
PRC-205: anterior rostrum in dorsal view (A, B) and dorsal vertebrae in ventral view (C, D). PRC-206: osteoderms and dorsal vertebrae in dorsal view (E, F) and ventral view (G, H).

Abbreviations: dv, dorsal vertebrae; en, external nares; mx, maxilla; n, nasal; ost, osteoderm; pmx, premaxilla.

CROCODYLOMORPHA Hay, 1930

THALATTOSUCHIA Fraas, 1901

NEOTHALATTOSUCHIA Young et al., 2024a; Young et al., 2024b

TELEOSAUROIDEA Delfino & Dal Sasso, 2006

TELEOSAURIDAE Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831

Genus Indosinosuchus Martin et al., 2019

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis 

Holotype: PRC 205 and PRC 206, comprising an anterior portion of the rostrum, osteoderms, and dorsal vertebrae.

Type locality: Ban Nam Pun, Bang Khan District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand.

Stratigraphic occurrence: Lower part of the Khlong Min Formation, Thung Yai Group, late Middle Jurassic to early Late Jurassic.

Diagnosis. Indosinosuchus peninsularensis, PRC 205, is characterized by the following combination of characters (autapomorphies denoted with*): (1) four premaxillary alveoli; (2) moderately laterally expanded premaxilla with subequal length and width, producing a broad yet unflared outline; (3) margin of premaxillary-maxillary suture is concave between the 4th premaxillary –1st maxillary alveoli; (4) the external narial opening is subcircular or slightly ‘8-shaped’ in dorsal view; (5) absence of incisive foramen at medial contact of premaxillae*; (6) anterior tip of nasals reaching the level of the 18th maxillary alveolus*.

Locality, lithostratigraphy, and petrographic characteristics of the fossiliferous limestone within the Khlong Min Formation at Ban Nam Pun, southern Thailand.
(A) Tectonic subdivision map of Thailand (modified after Udchachon et al., 2022), illustrating the distribution of Jurassic sedimentary rock units (based on Meesook & Saengsrichan, 2011). The Khlong Min Formation, including the Ban Nam Pun locality, is situated within the Sibumasu Terrane, whereas the Phu Kradung Formation and its equivalents are located within the Indochina and Sukhothai Terranes. (B) Simplified geological map of the Krabi–Khlong Thom–Trang region (adapted from Thailand Department of Mineral Resources, 1999; Meesook & Saengsrichan, 2011), with the study site marked by a red star.
(C) Field photograph of the fossiliferous limestone outcrop intercalated with mudstone. The rock hammer (circled) is 30 cm in length for scale. (D–F) Close-up view of fossiliferous limestone rich in bivalves, (D) Modiolus sp. assemblage, (E) Actinostreon sp. (F) Protocardia sp. (G) MF1: Bioclast wackestone characterized by shell fragments, benthic foraminifera (f), and peloids (p). The yellow arrow indicates a bivalve shell with geopetal fabric: the lower portion infilled with micritic matrix and peloids, and the upper portion filled with sparry calcite cement. (H) MF2: Bioclast-peloidal packstone to grainstone, dominated by peloids (p) and benthic foraminifers (f) with minor ostracod shells (o).

 Komsorn Lauprasert, Apirut Nilpanapan, Jeremy E. Martin, Julien Claude, Kamonlak Wongko, Kantanat Trakunweerayut, Nuntida Dobutr, Sita Manitkoon, Supanut Bhuttarach and Thanit Nonsrirach. 2026. A new teleosaurid (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Sibumasu Terrane of Southeast Asia and A Taxonomic Reassessment of Indosinosuchus. PeerJ. 14:e20944. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20944 [2026-03-20]

 facebook.com/Lauprasert/posts/10164083724222162

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Nabia civiscientrix • New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal

 

Nabia civiscientrix 

Guillaume, Evans, Jones, Puértolas-Pascual & Moreno-Azanza, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623

Illustration by Eva Carret

Abstract

The Albanerpetontidae are a group of small extinct lissamphibians ranging from the Bathonian to the early Pleistocene. The Upper Jurassic of Portugal is known to yield a large collection of albanerpetontid remains, ascribed to the genus Celtedens. However, recent studies have shown that the frontal bones used for species diagnosis display important intraspecific variation. Here, we describe 468 bones from the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Lourinhã Formation, together with thousands of remains from the Guimarota beds of the Kimmeridgian Alcobaça Formation. They support the erection of a new genus and species, Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov., characterized by a unique combination of five synapomorphies: a bulbous/flabellate outline of the internasal process of the frontal in dorsal or ventral view; no sculpture on the postorbital wing of the parietals; the dorsal condyle of the axis with a recurved edge; the long axis of the iliac shaft strongly tilted posteriorly; and a limited pubic/ischial articulation flaring. This material represents the oldest albanerpetontid species from the Iberian Peninsula and potentially the third described from the Jurassic, during which time it played a major palaeobiogeographical role in relation to Europe, north-western Africa and North America. Our results further confirm the need to revise Celtedens. The material from the Lourinhã Formation suggests that other multi-specific microfossil vertebrate bonebeds should contain a greater variety of elements than is reported. We stress the need to review unpicked and unidentified material to look for postcranial bones rather than focusing only on cranial elements, as in combination they aid a better characterisation of this group.

 

Keywords: Albanerpetontidae, Kimmeridgian–Tithonian, Lourinhã Formation, Guimarota, systematics

Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov.

Alexandre R. D. Guillaume, Susan E. Evans, Marc E. H. Jones, Eduardo Puértolas-Pascual and Miguel Moreno-Azanza. 2026. New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(1); 2580623. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623 [23 Jan 2026]

  

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Apolithabatis seioma • Insights into Stem Batomorphii: A New holomorphic Ray (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii) from the upper Jurassic of Germany

 

Apolithabatis seioma   

Türtscher, Jambura, Spindler & Kriwet, 2025 

     

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310174 

 facebook.com: Frederik Spindler

Abstract

The Late Jurassic fossil deposits of southern Germany, collectively known as the ’Solnhofen Archipelago’, are one of the world’s most important sources of Mesozoic vertebrates. Complete skeletons of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes), whose skeletal remains are rare in the fossil record and therefore all the more valuable, are represented, among others, by exceptionally well-preserved rays (superorder Batomorphii). Despite their potential for research in several areas, including taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and phylogeny, the number of studies on these chondrichthyans is still very limited. Here, we identify a previously unknown ray, †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov., which represents the first record of a ray species from the upper Kimmeridgian of Painten, Germany, and thus the oldest Late Jurassic ray taxon from Germany based on skeletal remains. This new batomorph is characterised by a unique body shape and a combination of skeletal features that distinguish it readily from all other known Late Jurassic rays. Two different morphometric approaches confirm differences in body shape and proportions to all known Late Jurassic conspecifics. We thus extend the recent taxonomic revision of these rays and include all described holomorphic specimens in a phylogenetic framework using strict cladistic principles. The phylogenetic analysis reveals all Late Jurassic batomorphs to represent a monophyletic group, for which we introduce the new order Apolithabatiformes, which is sister to all other batomorphs representing a stem group. While the phylogenetic relationships within Apolithabatiformes ord. nov. remain largely unresolved, †Apolithabatis gen. nov. is placed as the sister to †Aellopobatis. This highlights that, despite considerable progress in our understanding of the diversity and phylogeny of early rays, difficulties remain in establishing robust relationships within batomorphs. We therefore emphasise the importance of comprehensive studies of completely preserved fossil cartilaginous fishes to obtain a better understanding of chondrichthyan evolution and their systematics in deep time. 

Systematic palaeontology

Class CHONDRICHTHYES Huxley, 1880 

Subclass ELASMOBRANCHII Bonaparte, 1838  

Cohort EUSELACHII Hay, 1902 

Subcohort NEOSELACHII Compagno, 1977 

Superorder BATOMORPHII Cappetta, 1980 

†APOLITHABATIFORMES ord. nov.

We consequently propose a new order, †Apolithabatiformes ord. nov., which includes the single family, †Spathobatidae with the genera †Aellopobatis, †Apolithabatis gen. nov., †Asterodermus, †Belemnobatis, †Kimmerobatis, and †Spathobatis. This order represents the most plesiomorphic clade within Batomorphii being placed on the stem of the total group Batomorphii. It is possible that the hitherto undescribed Late Jurassic batomorph from Argentina, previously considered merely as Batomorphii indet. by Cione (1999) [14], also belongs to this order, which, however, can only be clarified by a detailed examination of the specimen.

Type species. †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov.

Included taxa: †Aellopobatis bavarica, †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov., †Asterodermus platypterus, †Belemnobatis spp., †Kimmerobatis etchesi, †Spathobatis spp.

Etymology: The name ’Apolithabatiformes’ is composed of two Greek words, i.e., ’aπολίθωμα’ (apolíthoma) meaning ’fossil’ and ’βατίς’ (batís) meaning ’ray’ or ’skate’.

Diagnostic characters. Elongated mesopterygium contiguous with propterygium and similar in shape; lateral articulation of antorbital cartilages (if present) to nasal capsules; two true fin spines anterior to dorsal fins (absent in some taxa);

Family †SPATHOBATIDAE Dames, 1888 

†APOLITHABATIS gen. nov.

Type species. †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov.

 Etymology: Identical to that of the order †Apolithabatiformes (see above): the genus name ’Apolithabatis’ is composed of two Greek words, i.e., ’Απολίθωμα’ (apolíthoma) meaning ’fossil’, and ’βατίς’ (batís) meaning ’ray’ or ’skate’.

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution: Only known from the upper Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) of the ’Solnhofen Archipelago’ (Painten), Bavaria, Germany.

Diagnosis: A guitarfish-like batomorph unique in having the following combination of characters: heart-shaped disc that is wider than long; pointed snout; antorbital cartilages present but reaching less than halfway between the nasal capsules and the propterygium; vertebral centra extending less than half of the synarcual length; large mesopterygium tangent to the propterygium; 40 pectoral radials (9 propterygial, 11 mesopterygial, 20 metapterygial); no pectoral radials articulate directly with the scapulocoracoid between the meso- and metapterygium; pectoral radials segmented in up to five segments; at least 16 pairs of ribs; 19 basipterygial radials (including one compound radial); puboischiadic bar curved anteriorly; no postpelvic processes present; broad and triangular lateral prepelvic processes; well-developed and plate-like haemal and supraneural spines; conspicuous bulge-like structure formed by the supraneural spines in front of each dorsal fin; no fin spines present.

†APOLITHABATIS SEIOMA gen. et sp. nov.

Environmental reconstruction showing †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov. in association with a juvenile pleurosaurid.

     Julia Türtscher, Patrick L. Jambura, Frederik Spindler and Jürgen Kriwet. 2025. Insights into Stem Batomorphii: A New holomorphic Ray (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from the upper Jurassic of Germany. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0310174. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310174

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[Paleontology • 2025] Mandocaris polyphaga • A New caridean Shrimp Fossil (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France

Mandocaris polyphaga

Lagrange, Audo, Odin, De Grave, Fernandez, Dollman & Charbonnier, 2025

www.app.pan.pl

We used propagation phase contrast synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (PPC-SRμCT) on an exceptionally preserved fossil caridean from the Callovian of the La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte. The tomographic data reveal the shape of the mandible and pereiopodal epipods allowing the description of a new genus and species of Acanthephyridae (Caridea) shrimp, Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. Most organs are exceptionally preserved in either mineral denser to X-ray than matrix, interpreted to be sulfides, or in mineral of lower density than the matrix, interpreted as carbonate/phosphate such as fluorapatite. We herein propose a taphonomic scenario for the preservation of M. polyphaga gen. et sp. nov.: it died from unknown causes not caused by an injury, as no wound is visible, falling on the sediment/water interface, it laid on its right side, and was probably covered by sediments and/or a microbial mat, thus quickly becoming entombed in the anoxic zone of the sedimentary column. Once there, many anatomic structures were replaced by phosphates. Sulfides precipitated concomitantly or quickly afterwards, probably aided by both internal and external source of metal ions. The importance of the external source of metal ions (hydrothermalism) is clear due to the prevalence of sulfides in the ventral side of the specimen, an area more permeable due to its abundance in thin membranes prone to decay. The loss of integrity thereafter led to sediment invading the body cavity, thus obliterating a few ventral anatomic details, including some pereiopodal muscles, part of the hepatopancreas, most of the gills, and possibly reproductive organs. The nodule was then formed, closing the system, and protecting the specimen from further diagenetic degradation.

Key words: Crustacea, Caridea, synchrotron, tomography, anatomy, Konservat-Lagerstätte, Callovian, Middle Jurassic.

Overview of the caridean shrimp Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. (holotype, MNHN.F.A58277) from the Callovian (Middle Jurassic) of La Voulte, France.
Specimen in right lateral (A1) and dorsal (A2) views. Cephalothorax in right lateral view (A3). 3D reconstruction of the holotype in right lateral view (A4), exposing the organs (A5). Abbreviations: a, branchiocardiac groove; a1, antennula; a2, antenna; b1, hepatic groove; e1e, cervical groove; hc, hepatic carina; hs, hepatic spine; mxp3, third maxilliped; phc, posterior hepatic carina; P1–5, pereiopods 1–5; pl1–4, pleopods 1–4; s1–6, pleonites 1–6. White arrows point to the front of the animal.

Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Flavien Lagrange, Denis Audo, Giliane P. Odin, Sammy De Grave, Vincent Fernandez, Kathleen Dollman, and Sylvain Charbonnier. 2025. A New caridean Shrimp Fossil with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(4); 775-794. DOI: 10.4202/app.01275.2025

https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012752025.html

[Paleontology • 2025] The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999 
Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

in Delcourt, Grillo, Hendrickx, Kellermann et Langer, 2025.

 Santanaraptor   Mirischia 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

 

Abstract

The upper carbonate concretion levels of the Romualdo Formation (Aptian, Brazil) have yielded several theropod dinosaur remains, including spinosaurids and the coelurosaurs Santanaraptor placidus and Mirischia asymmetrica, the phylogenetic affinities of which are controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive anatomical reassessment of the holotypes of both species (MN 4802-V and SMNK 2349 PAL, respectively), integrating newly observed osteological features and a detailed comparison of the pelvic and hind limb elements. Our preferred phylogenetic hypothesis places S. placidus and M. asymmetrica in the earliest-branching maniraptoromorph clade, along with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, suggesting an early diversification of coelurosaurs in that area, followed by Early Cretaceous dispersal events towards Gondwana. The comparative analysis of the two Romualdo taxa refutes their synonymy, given consistent differences in ischial (position and shape of the obturator plate and foramen) and tibial (condylar configuration) morphology. The observed morphological variation in the ischial obturator plate across early coelurosaurs further highlights a significant degree of homoplasy in this structure during the early radiation of the group. This revision underscores the need for additional research to further resolve the early evolutionary history of coelurosaur theropods.

Keywords: Araripe, Coelurosauria, Dinosauria, Gondwana, Theropoda

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999

Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

CONCLUSIONS: 

The comprehensive reassessment of Santanaraptor placidus (MN 4802-V) and Mirischia asymmetrica (SMNK 2349) presented here offers new insights into the anatomy, taxonomy, and phylogenetic affinities of these two coelurosaur theropods from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Romualdo Formation of Brazil. Despite the minor overlapping of skeletal elements, both specimens exhibit consistent anatomical differences that support their recognition as distinct species. These differences are particularly evident in the configuration of the ischial obturator plate and the structure of the proximal tibial condyles.

Some of our phylogenetic results place S. placidus and M. asymmetrica together with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni, from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, in a clade of early branching maniraptoromorphs. This is the first time that these Brazilian taxa are found closely related within a lesser-inclusive clade, corroborating previous assumptions of close biogeographic relations between Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses by the Early Cretaceous. Further biogeographic patterns are, however, harder to define, especially having in mind the still patchy record of Jurassic theropods in areas such as Africa, Australia, India, Antarctica, and South America.

 

Rafael Delcourt, Orlando Nelson Grillo, Christophe Hendrickx, Maximilian Kellermann, Max Cardoso Langer. 2025. The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 [18 November 2025]

[Paleontology • 2025] Gadusaurus aqualigneus • A New ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic of Portugal (Iberian Peninsula)

Gadusaurus aqualigneus 

 Sousa, Roldão, Ríos & Puértolas-Pascual, 2025

    

DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01199.2024

  x.com/EduardoSuchus

Ichthyosaurs were a group of marine Mesozoic reptiles. Their presence in the Portuguese fossil record is scarce and ranges from the Sinemurian to the Toarcian. In this work we describe a new specimen—a nearly complete skull discovered in the Sinemurian of Praia de Água de Madeiros, São Pedro de Moel, Municipality of Marinha Grande (Portugal). This specimen represents the most complete and best preserved cranial remains from the Iberian Peninsula published to date. Phylogenetic analyses performed identified this specimen as a new genus and species, Gadusarus aqualigneus, the first to be identified in the Iberian Peninsula. The species is phylogenetically recovered as a baracromian ichthyosaur, part of the Neoichthyosauria and Parvipelvia clades.

Key words: Parvipelvia, Ichthyosauria, Gadusaurus aqualigneus , phylogeny, Sinemurian, São Pedro de Moel.

 Ichthyosaur reptile Gadusaurus aqualigneus gen. et sp. nov. (ML 2750) from from the Lower Jurassic of São Pedro de Moel (Marinha Grande, Portugal). Nearly complete skull in laterodorsal view. 

Ichthyopterygia Owen, 1859 

Ichthyosauria Blainville, 1835 

Parvipelvia Motani, 1999 

Neoichthyosauria Sander, 2000 

Thunnosauria Motani, 1999 

Baracromia Fischer et al., 2013

 Genus Gadusaurus nov.  

Type species: Gadusaurus aqualigneus sp. nov. 

Etymology: From combination of Latin gadu, codfish, and Ancient Greek, sauros, lizard; in reference to both the ichthyosaur fish-like body shape, and the proclivity for codfish in Portuguese cuisine. 

 

Gadusaurus aqualigneus sp. nov.  

 Etymology: From Latin aqua, water and lignum, wood; in reference to Água de Madeiros, which roughly translates to “water of woods”, the beach where the specimen was found. 

Holotype: ML 2750, nearly complete skull (Fig. 2), in a flattened state, the right side fully observable in lateral view, and elements of the left side observable in dorsal view. 

Type locality: Praia de Água de Madeiros, São Pedro de Moel, Municipality of Marinha Grande, (Portugal). 

Type horizon: Upper part of the Polvoeira Member of the Água de Madeiros Formation, upper Sinemurian (Lower Jurassic). 

Diagnosis.—Small-sized ichthyosaur, with an estimated length of approximately 2 m, diagnosed by the following combination of ambiguous synapomorphies: absence of a supranarial process in the premaxilla; and the parietal foramen being entirely surrounded by the frontals. Gadusaurus aqualigneus gen. et sp. nov. is also characterized by the following potential autapomorphies within Parvipelvia: presence of a subcircular depression in the lacrimal just below the posterior region of the external naris (Fig. 3C); big and well-developed elliptical internasal foramen with about 5 times bigger surface area than that of the parietal foramen (Fig. 3A); presence of a well-marked longitudinal groove on each side of the anterolateral region of the excavatio internasalis (Fig 3B).

João Pratas E Sousa, Isabel Morais Roldão, María Ríos, and Eduardo Puértolas-Pascual. 2025. A New ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic of Portugal (Iberian Peninsula). Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(1); 179-192. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01199.2024

  x.com/EduardoSuchus/status/1906793836375835069

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Telmatomyia talbragarica • The Oldest Gondwanan non-biting Midge (Diptera: Chironomidae: Podonominae) sheds light on the Historical Biogeography of the Clade

 

Telmatomyia talbragarica

Baranov, McCurry, Amaral, Beattie & Trewick, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.001

Artwork by Valentyna Inshyna

 

Highlights: 

• This discovery is the oldest Southern Hemisphere record of Chironomidae.

• Podonominae rapidly dispersed from Siberia in Jurassic, or of Gondwana origin.

• Fossil has a unique suction disc—for survival in turbulent environments’.

Abstract

Podonominae, a group of non-biting midges within the Chironomidae family, serves as an important biogeographical model. For a long time, it was believed that Podonominae originated in Northern Gondwana and later spread to Laurasia. However, because the oldest known fossils of this group come from the Jurassic period in Eurasia more recent interpretations have suggested a Laurasian origin.

We present the oldest record of Podonominae from Gondwana, specifically from the Tithonian age (Jurassic) in Australia. This discovery is also the oldest Chironomidae fossil found in the Southern Hemisphere and suggests that Podonominae likely originated in Gondwana. The new fossil represents a highly specialized form of Podonominae, adapted to living in the littoral zones of large lakes. It has adaptations to this environment that are unique amongst Podonominae, and similar to those found in some modern marine Chironomidae species such as Telmatogetoninae.

 

Keywords: Biogeography, Diptera, Podonominae, Jurassic, Gondwana

Systematic palaeontology

Chironomidae (Newman, 1834).

Podonominae Thienemann and Edwards in Thienemann, 1937.

Telmatomyia talbragarica (AM F141771), female pupa.
A) Habitus B) Terminal disk; C) Terminal disk, with enhanced contrast.

Telmatomyia gen. nov.  

Differential diagnosis.

Diagnosis. Pupa: can be distinguished from any other representative of Chironomidae by its very large size (> 9 mm), almost round thoracic horns with plastron occupying about 70 %–80 % of it, and uniquely modified abdominal segments 8 and 9, which form an oval terminal disc with a suture like articulation between the segments, wider than long, apparently without fringe of terminal setae (although there are setae looking marks around the terminal disk.

Etymology: Telmatomyia, is from the Greek “Telmato-” adjective, “of stagnant water” reflecting the lacustrine nature of the habitat at Talbragar, and “myia” – Greek for “fly”.

Telmatomyia talbragarica sp.nov.

Etymology: from Talbragar formation.

 Reconstruction of the lake shore of Talbragar Fossil Fish Bed, depicting several Telmatomyia talbragarica pupae attached to a rock underwater. Pair of Orthogonikleithridae fishes are patrolling the waters of the lake, while Rhoetosaurus brownei is approaching the lakeshore, by the grove of “Agathis” jurassica.

Artwork by Valentyna Inshyna, used with permission.

 

      

Viktor Baranov, Matthew R. McCurry, André P. Amaral, Robert Beattie and Steven A. Trewick. 2025. The Oldest Gondwanan non-biting midge (Diptera, Chironomidae, Podonominae) sheds light on the Historical Biogeography of the Clade. Gondwana Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.001 [8 October 2025]