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The holotype and only known specimen of the hauffiopterygian leptonectid, Xiphodracon goldencapensis (ROM VP52596) from Golden Cap, between Charmouth and Seatown, Dorset, UK. The skeleton is exposed in ventrolateral view. The skull has been fully prepared free of matrix whereas most of the skeleton is still in matrix. The left (upper) forefin has been prepared so that it is three-dimensionally preserved and projects upwards. Scale bar represents 20 cm.
Taxa Xiphodracon

The holotype and only known specimen of the hauffiopterygian leptonectid, Xiphodracon goldencapensis (ROM VP52596) from Golden Cap, between Charmouth and Seatown, Dorset, UK. The skeleton is exposed in ventrolateral view. The skull has been fully prepared free of matrix whereas most of the skeleton is still in matrix. The left (upper) forefin has been prepared so that it is three-dimensionally preserved and projects upwards. Scale bar represents 20 cm.

scale United Kingdom holotype specimen +5
Reconstructed skull of Duriavenator hesperis showing known material (white) of the holotype and only known specimen. Unknown bones based on related Eustreptospondylus oxoniensis. Scale bar is 10cm, image is 10px/cm. Cranial anatomy based on Benson (2008) "A redescription of "Megalosaurus" hesperis (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Inferior Oolite (Bajocian, Middle Jurassic) of Dorset, United Kingdom"
Taxa Duriavenator

Reconstructed skull of Duriavenator hesperis showing known material (white) of the holotype and only known specimen. Unknown bones based on related Eustreptospondylus oxoniensis. Scale bar is 10cm, image is 10px/cm. Cranial anatomy based on Benson (2008) "A redescription of "Megalosaurus" hesperis (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Inferior Oolite (Bajocian, Middle Jurassic) of Dorset, United Kingdom"

bone scale United Kingdom Bajocian +11
Closeup of the camellate pneumaticity inside the vertebrae of Vectiraptor greeni, from the Early Cretaceous of the Isle of Wight, UK. Photo by Nick Longrich.
Taxa Vectiraptor

Closeup of the camellate pneumaticity inside the vertebrae of Vectiraptor greeni, from the Early Cretaceous of the Isle of Wight, UK. Photo by Nick Longrich.

United Kingdom Cretaceous Early Cretaceous Vectiraptor
Tetanuran theropod Cruxicheiros newmanorum gen. et sp. nov. axial vertebrae (WARMS 15771) from the Chipping Norton Limestone Formation, Bathonian of the United Kingdom. A. Posterior cervical or anterior dorsal vertebra in posterior view. B. Partial middle−posterior dorsal vertebra in right lat− eral view showing a sagittal cross−section (B1) and in dorsal view (B2). C. Middle−distal caudal vertebra in left lateral (C1) and posterior (C2) views. D. Mid− dle−posterior dorsal neural arch in anterior (D1), right lateral (D2, D3), and posterior (D4) views. Photographs (A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, D4) and line drawing (D3). Crossed−hatching indicates matrix and grey tone indicates broken bone.
Taxa Cruxicheiros

Tetanuran theropod Cruxicheiros newmanorum gen. et sp. nov. axial vertebrae (WARMS 15771) from the Chipping Norton Limestone Formation, Bathonian of the United Kingdom. A. Posterior cervical or anterior dorsal vertebra in posterior view. B. Partial middle−posterior dorsal vertebra in right lat− eral view showing a sagittal cross−section (B1) and in dorsal view (B2). C. Middle−distal caudal vertebra in left lateral (C1) and posterior (C2) views. D. Mid− dle−posterior dorsal neural arch in anterior (D1), right lateral (D2, D3), and posterior (D4) views. Photographs (A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, D4) and line drawing (D3). Crossed−hatching indicates matrix and grey tone indicates broken bone.

bone vertebra drawing United Kingdom +4
Bexhill Brick Pit below Little Higher Wood in East Sussex, England. The cliff shows the layers of strata of the Hastings Beds with grey areas of Wadhurst Clay needed for the bricks and tiles. The buff/brown areas are sandstones.
Formations Wadhurst Clay

Bexhill Brick Pit below Little Higher Wood in East Sussex, England. The cliff shows the layers of strata of the Hastings Beds with grey areas of Wadhurst Clay needed for the bricks and tiles. The buff/brown areas are sandstones.

United Kingdom Wadhurst Clay Wadhurstia
Cetiosaurus oxoniensis, "Rutland Dinosaur". New Walk Museum, Leicester. Tuesday, 17 July, 2012
Taxa Cetiosaurus

Cetiosaurus oxoniensis, "Rutland Dinosaur". New Walk Museum, Leicester. Tuesday, 17 July, 2012

museum United Kingdom Cetiosauria Dinosauria
Mary Anning's plesiosaur: Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus Lower Jurassic Lyme Regis, England, UK
Taxa Plesiosaurus

Mary Anning's plesiosaur: Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus Lower Jurassic Lyme Regis, England, UK

United Kingdom Jurassic Plesiosauria

News

Giant Scorpions Ruled Ancient Britain during Devonian Period
Giant Scorpions Ruled Ancient Britain during Devonian Period
United Kingdom Devonian
Paleontologists have confirmed that Praearcturus gigas, a creature that prowled shallow waters during the Devonian period, 415 million years ago, is the largest scorpion ever found. The post Giant Scorpions Ruled Ancient Britain during Devonian Period appeared first on Sci.News: Breaking Science News.
04/06/2026 sci-news
This crocodile ran like a greyhound across prehistoric Britain 200 million years ago
United Kingdom Triassic fossil new species
A newly discovered Triassic reptile from the UK looked more like a racing greyhound than a crocodile, built for speed on land. With long legs and a lightweight body, it hunted small animals in a dry, upland environment millions of years ago. Scientists identified it as a new species after spotting key differences in its fossils. It’s also a tribute to an inspiring teacher who helped spark a future scientist’s curiosity.
21/03/2026 sciencedaily
190-million-year-old “Sword Dragon” fossil rewrites ichthyosaur history
United Kingdom Jurassic fossil Ichthyosauria evolution skeleton
A newly identified ichthyosaur from the UK’s Jurassic Coast is rewriting part of the prehistoric playbook. Nicknamed the “Sword Dragon of Dorset,” the three-meter-long marine reptile lived during a poorly understood window of evolution when major ichthyosaur groups were disappearing and new ones emerging. Its beautifully preserved skeleton — complete with a blade-like snout and possible last meal — helps pinpoint when this dramatic transition occurred.
24/02/2026 sciencedaily
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Annual Meeting 2025
United Kingdom
For 2025, SVP’s Annual Meeting was held in Birmingham, UK, giving the Palaeocast crew easy access to one of the world’s biggest palaeontological conferences. Emily and Filippo were able to record interviews with many of the delegates and the organisers of the event. Since it’s not always possible to find the time and money to [&hellip
03/12/2025 palaeocast