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Meet the 'Witch Croc,' a Strange Ancient Crocodile Relative With Two Legs and No Teeth That Roamed New Mexico During the Triassic
A newly discovered ancient reptile, Labrujasuchus expectatus, found in New Mexico, had a toothless beak, tiny arms, and walked on two legs, resembling ostrich-like dinosaurs but belonging to a group related to crocodiles. The creature, which lived during the late Triassic period, fills a gap in the fossil record by connecting previously discovered shuvosaur species. Its unique traits highlight evolutionary adaptations that later influenced successful body plans in dinosaurs and birds. The discovery provides important insights into biodiversity changes during the Triassic era.
Scientists discovered a new ancient crocodile relative, Labrujasuchus expectatus, with two legs and no teeth, found in New Mexico and dating back to the Triassic period.
This discovery fills a gap in the fossil record and shows how crocodile relatives evolved differently, including traits seen in dinosaurs like bipedal movement.
The find highlights the diversity of life in the past and supports efforts to protect important fossil sites like Ghost Ranch for future research and understanding.
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