A remarkable discovery has been made on the Isle of Skye, as scientists have unearthed the fossil of a unique species of flying reptile, known as a pterosaur. This particular pterosaur, named Ceoptera, lived approximately 168-166 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period. What makes this find even more intriguing is that the fossil’s skull is missing, leaving scientists with many unanswered questions.
The discovery of a pterosaur from this time period off the coast of Scotland is surprising, as these creatures were previously believed to have predominantly inhabited China. The significance of this find cannot be overstated, as fossils from the Middle Jurassic era are incredibly rare. Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone from the University of Bristol, who used a CT scanner to create a 3D digital model of the fossil, describes the discovery as “really exciting.”
Ceoptera is the second pterosaur to be found on the Isle of Skye, and its name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “cheò,” meaning mist. This name pays homage to the Gaelic name for the Isle of Skye, Eilean a’ Cheò or Isle of Mist. The creature is estimated to have had a wingspan of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters.
According to Professor Steve Brusatte, who was not involved in the research, Ceoptera is unique to Scotland and provides evidence that a transitional stage of pterosaur evolution existed during this time. He explains that during the Middle Jurassic period, pterosaurs reigned supreme in the skies, as birds had not yet emerged. This discovery sheds light on the prevalence of pterosaurs in Scotland, where they soared above the heads of dinosaurs.
Professor Brusatte led a previous project that discovered another type of pterosaur called Dearc in 2022. The Middle Jurassic period saw Scotland as part of an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a sub-tropical climate with beaches and lagoons. These coastal environments were likely favored habitats for pterosaurs.
The fossil of Ceoptera was initially found buried in rock during a dig in 2006 by scientists from the Natural History Museum. Dr. Paul Barrett, who was part of the expedition, recalls the painstaking process of locating the fossil, describing how they crawled on their hands and knees, searching for small smears of bone on the surface. The fragile fossil was carefully transported back to London in backpacks to protect it from damage.
The subsequent study of the fossil involved thousands of hours of work to remove the surrounding limestone rock and prepare it for analysis. Acid was used to dissolve the rock, and the specimen was then scanned to create detailed images. The classification of the fossil has now been published, revealing that Ceoptera belongs to the Darwinoptera branch of pterosaurs. This group of advanced flying reptiles had a longer lifespan than previously believed, existing for over 25 million years from the late Early Jurassic to the latest Jurassic.
The findings of this groundbreaking research have been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, providing valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of pterosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The discovery of Ceoptera on the Isle of Skye has not only expanded our understanding of these ancient creatures but also highlighted Scotland’s significance as a hub for pterosaur activity millions of years ago.
As scientists continue to study and analyze this unique fossil, we can expect further revelations about the fascinating world of pterosaurs and their role in shaping prehistoric ecosystems. The Isle of Skye remains a treasure trove of ancient secrets, waiting to be uncovered by intrepid researchers seeking to unravel the mysteries of our planet’s distant past.