Oldest Flying Reptile in North America Unearthed in Arizona

In July 2025, scientists announced the discovery of fossils in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park, including North America’s oldest-known flying reptile, dating back 209 million years.

Key Points

Historic Discovery: Fossils from 16 vertebrate species found, including 7 previously unknown to science.
Ancient Ecosystem: Site reveals a tropical river-crossed ecosystem near the equator during the Triassic Period.
Oldest Pterosaur: Eotephradactylus mcintireae, a fish-eating pterosaur with a 3-foot wingspan, is the oldest of its kind in North America.
No Dinosaurs Found: Despite being the age of early dinosaurs, they were absent in this ecosystem—suggesting habitat preferences.
Fossil Context: Remains preserved in volcanic ash-rich rock, showing life just before the end-Triassic mass extinction.
Other Finds: Included early frogs, turtles, tuatara relatives, armoured plant-eaters, and freshwater sharks.
Giant Predators: Top carnivores included 20-foot croc-like rauisuchians and river-dwelling phytosaurs.
Environmental Transition: Fossils mark the shift from ancient reptile-dominated ecosystems to more modern vertebrate communities.