Pterolepis

*Pterolepis* is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Sauropterygia, which thrived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. These reptiles are notable for their elongated, paddle-like limbs, which suggest an adaptation for swimming in open marine environments. Fossil remains of *Pterolepis* have been discovered primarily in Europe, particularly in the Dolomites of Italy and the Muschelkalk formation of Germany.

*Pterolepis* is characterized by its streamlined body, measuring up to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. Its skull features a distinctively elongated snout, and its teeth are small and conical, indicating a diet likely consisting of fish and other small marine prey. The genus is closely related to *Nothosaurus*, another well-known sauropterygian, but differs in certain anatomical details, such as the structure of its ribs and the shape of its limbs.

The name *Pterolepis* derives from Greek words meaning "winged scale," referencing the scaly texture of its fossilized remains. Paleontologists study *Pterolepis* to better understand the evolutionary transitions of marine reptiles during the Triassic period, particularly their adaptations to aquatic life. Its fossils provide insights into the diversity and ecological roles of early marine reptiles before the rise of more advanced groups like plesiosaurs in the Jurassic.

*Pterolepis* is considered a key taxon in the study of sauropterygians, offering valuable comparisons with other contemporaneous marine reptiles. While its fossils are relatively rare, they contribute significantly to our understanding of the Triassic marine ecosystem and the broader evolution of reptiles.