“Ceoptera Evansae: The New Species of Pterosaur Discovered on the Isle of Skye”
A NEW species of pterosaur has been discovered — on a Scottish isle. Named Ceoptera evansae, the sky beast lived between 166 and 168 million years ago in the Mid-Jurassic period.
The Discovery of Ceoptera Evansae
Palaeontologists spotted the fossil remains in 2006 on a field trip to Elgol, on the Isle of Skye. As it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the team could only collect specimens from rocks that had fallen on to the beach. They have spent the years since preparing the Ceoptera specimen and taking scans of the bones, some of which remain completely embedded in rock. Only parts of the shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone remain, but the researchers say it provides key insights into the evolution and diversity of pterosaurs.
Insights Into the Evolution of Pterosaurs
The new species belongs to a group known as Darwinoptera that may have persisted for more than 25 million years — with many fossils found in China. Prof Paul Barrett, of the Natural History Museum, said: “Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. It shows the advanced group to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution.”
The Significance of the Name
The first part of the new name comes from the Scottish Gaelic word “cheo”, meaning mist or fog, and the Latin word “ptera”, meaning wing. The second part — evansae — honors the work of paleontologist Professor Susan E Evans, particularly on the Isle of Skye.
Conclusion
The discovery of Ceoptera evansae has shed new light on the evolutionary timeline and geographical distribution of pterosaurs, opening up new avenues for research into the diverse group of flying reptiles that once roamed the skies. With Magicians of the Skies, you will descend into the space that was once ruled by the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Discover the factors that lead to the extinction of the dinosaurs, follow the ground-breaking discovery of how the impact of an asteroid it ignited volcanoes and changed the world. Learn how fingerprints, roasting pots and atlatls took the human race to the top.