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Ancient Lizard Fossil Discovered on Isle of Skye

10/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new species, Breugnathair elgolensis, was found on the Isle of Skye, dating to 167 million years ago.
The fossil shows snake-like jaws and teeth, with lizard-like limbs.
At about 16 inches long, it ranks among the oldest complete lizard fossils.
It belongs to Parviraptoridae, previously known only from fragmentary remains, in Scotland's national collection.

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Story summary

A new species, Breugnathair elgolensis, was found on the Isle of Skye, dating to 167 million years ago.
The fossil shows snake-like jaws and teeth, with lizard-like limbs.
At about 16 inches long, it ranks among the oldest complete lizard fossils.
It belongs to Parviraptoridae, previously known only from fragmentary remains, in Scotland's national collection.