Illustraatorites

Illustraatorites is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. The name "Illustraatorites" is derived from the Latin words "illustrare," meaning to illuminate, and "titan," referring to the large size of these creatures. Illustraatorites is known from a single species, Illustraatorites johnstoni, which was discovered in the United Kingdom.

Illustraatorites was a large marine reptile, with an estimated length of around 10 meters. It had a long, slender body, a large head, and a long tail. The skull was relatively small compared to the body size, and it had a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth. The limbs were relatively short and were likely used for swimming rather than walking on land.

Illustraatorites is considered to be a member of the group of marine reptiles known as ichthyosaurs. However, it is distinct from other ichthyosaurs in several ways, including its smaller skull, longer body, and the presence of a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth. These features suggest that Illustraatorites may have had a different feeding strategy than other ichthyosaurs, possibly feeding on smaller prey or scavenging.

The discovery of Illustraatorites has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Late Triassic period. Its unique features and distinct anatomy make it an important addition to our understanding of these ancient creatures.