240 million-year-old monster marine reptile’s fossil discovered with intact skin

undefined 30, 2025

Source: interestingengineering

Scientists discovered a rare Lariosaurus valceresii fossil with preserved skin in Switzerland’s Monte San Giorgio, dating back 240M years. The near-complete specimen shows webbed hands and feet, carbon-film scales, and strong forelimb muscles, revealing it swam with a seal-like “rowing-flying” motion rather than relying on its tail. The find, the first of its kind for this species, offers new insight into early marine reptile anatomy and swimming strategies after the Permian extinction.

Share on