Prehistoric Aquatic Reptile Fossil Found with Preserved Skin in Ticino

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the Ticino Natural History Museum have unearthed the first-ever Lariosaurus fossil with preserved skin in Meride, southern Switzerland. The remarkable find was made during excavations in 2023 along the Gaggiolo stream, within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio. This discovery marks a significant milestone as the first Lariosaurus specimen found in Switzerland, dating back approximately 240 million years to the Middle Triassic period.

The exceptionally preserved specimen, measuring approximately 60 centimeters in length, has revealed unprecedented details about the ancient reptile's anatomy. The fossil shows a highly developed musculature in the front legs and anterior ribcage, leading researchers to conclude that the Lariosaurus employed a swimming style similar to modern-day sea lions. Of particular interest are the preserved scales, which bear a striking resemblance to those of contemporary crocodiles, providing a direct link between ancient and modern reptilian anatomy.

This unprecedented discovery in Monte San Giorgio, a region renowned for its marine fossils, offers invaluable insights into prehistoric marine life. The preserved skin tissue provides researchers with direct evidence of the creature's external anatomy, something rarely seen in fossils of this age. The findings, published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology, contribute significantly to our understanding of Middle Triassic marine reptiles and their adaptation to aquatic environments.

The study represents a successful international collaboration, bringing together experts from multiple institutions. The research team included scientists from the Cantonal Museum of Natural History, the University of Insubria in Varese, and a doctoral student from the University of Turin. This cooperative effort highlights the Cantonal Museum of Natural History's crucial role in exploring and preserving the paleontological treasures of Monte San Giorgio, while fostering international scientific partnerships.