Dictyosaurus

Dictyosaurus is a genus of marine reptile that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 231 to 201 million years ago. It is one of the earliest known marine reptiles and is considered a transitional form between terrestrial reptiles and fully aquatic marine reptiles. Dictyosaurus is known from several well-preserved fossils found in Germany, France, and the United States.

The genus Dictyosaurus includes several species, with the most well-known being Dictyosaurus lorkei. This species is characterized by its long, slender body, which was adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Dictyosaurus had a long, narrow snout filled with conical teeth, which were likely used for capturing and holding prey. Its limbs were relatively short and webbed, suggesting that it was capable of swimming but also had the ability to move on land.

Dictyosaurus is believed to have been a carnivorous predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish and other small marine reptiles. Its semi-aquatic lifestyle allowed it to inhabit both coastal and open marine environments. The discovery of Dictyosaurus fossils has provided valuable insights into the early evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptation to aquatic environments.