Caletodraco: A New Inhabitant of the Cretaceous
Caletodraco: A New Inhabitant of the Cretaceous
The discovery of Caletodraco cottardi marks a milestone in paleontology, standing out as the first definitive furileusaurian named outside South America. This dinosaur, an abelisaurid theropod from the Early Cretaceous, offers new insights into the diversity and distribution of these predators in Europe.
A Discovery in Two Phases
The holotype specimen of Caletodraco cottardi, cataloged as MHNH 2024.1.1, was collected during two expeditions in 2021 and 2023 by amateur paleontologist Nicolas Cottard along the coastal cliffs of Normandy, France. The fossils were uncovered in a geological formation dating back approximately 110 million years.
The fossil material includes:
- A sacrum.
- Incomplete iliac bones.
- The first caudal vertebra.
- Several poorly preserved bones, possibly ribs.
Additionally, a tooth was discovered in the same locality. It may belong to Caletodraco or another predator or scavenger from the same ecosystem.
Characteristics of Caletodraco
Caletodraco cottardi is a theropod dinosaur classified within the abelisaurids, a group of bipedal predators known for their robust builds and unique hunting adaptations.
- Classification: It is a member of the furileusaurians, a subfamily of abelisaurids, and represents the first confirmed specimen of this group found outside South America.
- Size: Estimated to have reached a length of 6 meters (20 feet), making it a sizable predator for its era.
As an abelisaurid, Caletodraco likely had reduced forelimbs and a skull designed for delivering powerful bites, traits that made it an efficient predator in its environment.
The Significance of Its Name
The name Caletodraco pays homage to both the geography and history of Normandy:
- «Caleto» refers to the Caletes, an ancient Celtic tribe that once inhabited the region.
- «Draco» means dragon in Latin, symbolizing the dinosaur’s imposing nature.
The specific epithet, cottardi, honors Nicolas Cottard, the amateur paleontologist who discovered and helped bring attention to this remarkable species.
Importance of the Discovery
The discovery of Caletodraco cottardi has significant implications for paleontology:
- Geographical Expansion of Furileusaurians: This is the first recorded abelisaurid of its subfamily outside South America, suggesting that these dinosaurs had a broader distribution than previously understood.
- Diversity of Theropods in Europe: It supports the idea that Europe was home to a diverse range of predators during the Early Cretaceous.
Conclusion
The discovery of Caletodraco cottardi is a testament to the valuable contributions amateur paleontologists can make to science. As an abelisaurid furileusaurian, this species broadens our understanding of the evolution and distribution of theropod dinosaurs during the Cretaceous. Thanks to the efforts of Nicolas Cottard and collaboration with professional scientists, we now have a clearer picture of this fascinating predator that once roamed the prehistoric landscapes of Normandy.
