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New Toothless Bipedal Shuvosaurid Unveiled from New Mexico

5/28/2026

Summary

Scientists Reveal New

U.S. scientists from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County described Labrujasuchus expectatus, a new toothless, beaked, bipedal shuvosaurid, in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The fossil came from Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a site excavated for 20 years.
Dr. Alan Turner said the fifth shuvosaurid fills a gap between earlier and later forms and shows convergent evolution of bipedalism in Triassic archosaurs.

Summary

Ghost Ranch Marks

The Ghost Ranch project celebrates 20 years of collaboration between the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and New Mexico research teams.
The site’s four quarries have produced exquisitely preserved Triassic fossils, confirming its status as a premier field location.
Researchers say that studying Triassic ecosystems can guide strategies to protect today’s vulnerable species.
The long-term partnership has created graduate-student and local-scientist training opportunities, expanding regional paleontological expertise.

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Scientists Reveal New

U.S. scientists from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County described Labrujasuchus expectatus, a new toothless, beaked, bipedal shuvosaurid, in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The fossil came from Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a site excavated for 20 years.
Dr. Alan Turner said the fifth shuvosaurid fills a gap between earlier and later forms and shows convergent evolution of bipedalism in Triassic archosaurs.

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