Trusted Ad Partner
Natural History: Fossil Misidentified for Decades Revealed as New Jurassic Reptile Species
2 July 2025
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
A fossil misidentified for over 60 years has now been recognized as a new species of Jurassic reptile. Named Sphenodraco scandentis, it represents the oldest known tree-dwelling member of the rhynchocephalians - a group closely related to modern lizards. While rhynchocephalians were once as widespread as lizards are today, only one species, the tuatara of New Zealand, survives today.
The fossil was discovered in the renowned Solnhofen limestone beds of Germany, famously known for yielding Archaeopteryx specimens. The identification of Sphenodraco from this site indicates a far greater diversity among rhynchocephalians than previously believed. This adds a crucial piece to our understanding of the small vertebrates that shared ecosystems with dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic period.
The breakthrough came when Victor Beccari, a PhD student at the Palaeontological Museum in Munich, was studying reptile fossils at the Natural History Museum in London. He noticed a striking resemblance between a specimen in London and one he had previously examined at the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt. Remarkably, the two fossils turned out to be two halves of the same animal, likely split and sold separately in the 1930s to maximize profit.
By combining details from both fossil halves, Beccari and his research team concluded the specimen belonged to an entirely new species. Sphenodraco scandentis appears to be the earliest known arboreal rhynchocephalian ever discovered.
Comparisons with modern lizards and the tuatara revealed that Sphenodraco had elongated limbs, long fingers, and a compact body - traits typical of tree-dwelling or gliding reptiles. These adaptations suggest it lived in the forested island habitats of the Jurassic.
Despite the Solnhofen site’s reputation for exceptional fossil preservation, many rhynchocephalian specimens from the area have been overlooked or misclassified. The authors of this study suggest that fossils previously grouped together based on vague similarities may actually represent multiple distinct species.
Lead author Victor Beccari commented, “The closer you look at how these animals have been studied in the past, the more you realise that many species aren’t well-defined. Modern islands often host hundreds of reptile species, so it stands to reason that ancient islands may have supported similar diversity. This research shows the enduring value of museum collections. Even fossils discovered nearly 200 years ago can still offer new insights.”
Dr. Marc Jones, Curator of Fossil Reptiles and Amphibians at the Natural History Museum and co-author of the paper, noted, “While Solnhofen has produced many beautifully preserved rhynchocephalian skeletons, crushed skulls and incomplete specimens have limited their scientific use - until now.
Advances in imaging, including micro-CT scanning and UV photography, are helping reveal anatomical details previously hidden in stone.”
He emphasized the importance of thoroughly revisiting historical collections: “This study highlights the need to re-examine all available material with modern techniques.”
The research has been published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
This work contributes to the Evolution of Life research theme, which aims to uncover the drivers and impacts of evolutionary and environmental change - key to understanding life on Earth.
📚 OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ:
Next article: Five essential tips when choosing a new nest box for your garden
Next article: SWAROVSKI OPTIK release light and compact ATC/STC spotting scopes
Next article: Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
Next article: Six of the best RSPB nature reserves to watch owls in the UK
Next article: The best nature reserves to head to in the cold weather
Next article: Endangered tansy beetle hides out at WWT Welney
Next article: Five essential tips when choosing a new nest box for your garden
Next article: SWAROVSKI OPTIK release light and compact ATC/STC spotting scopes
Next article: Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
Next article: Six of the best RSPB nature reserves to watch owls in the UK
Next article: The best nature reserves to head to in the cold weather
Next article: Endangered tansy beetle hides out at WWT Welney
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works