New Pterosaur Species Discovered on Isle of Skye Challenges Evolutionary Timeline

Ceoptera evansae, dating back to the Middle Jurassic, reveals a more diverse and enduring Darwinoptera clade than previously known.

A new species of pterosaur, Ceoptera evansae, has been discovered on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, around 168 to 166 million years ago.
Ceoptera evansae is part of the Darwinoptera clade, indicating a more diverse and long-lasting group of pterosaurs than previously understood.
The discovery challenges previous understandings of pterosaur evolution, showing that all principal Jurassic pterosaur clades evolved well before the end of the Early Jurassic.
Ceoptera evansae's discovery provides critical insights into the evolutionary history and diversity of pterosaurs, filling a significant gap in the fossil record.
The findings are based on a partial skeleton, including parts of the shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone, with many bones studied using CT-scanning due to their embedded state in rock.