Villasimius

Villasimius is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Pleurosauria. It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70-66 million years ago, in what is now Europe. The type species, Villasimius transsilvanicus, was first described in 1884 based on fossil remains found in Romania.

Villasimius is characterized by its elongated body, with a long tail and powerful limbs adapted for swimming. It had a distinctive skull with a long, narrow snout and large eyes, suggesting it was a predatory species. The genus name Villasimius is derived from the Latin word "villa," meaning "country house," and the suffix "-simius," meaning "resembling," in reference to the elaborate fossil beds where its remains were first discovered.

Fossils of Villasimius have been found in various European countries, including Romania, Hungary, and possibly Germany. These fossils provide valuable insights into the marine ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous period, as well as the evolutionary history of pleurosaurs. Villasimius is considered one of the most complete pleurosaur genera known, with a wide range of well-preserved specimens.

The extinction of Villasimius, like many other marine reptiles, is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including environmental changes and the impact of the asteroid that led to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. Despite its extinction, Villasimius remains an important subject of study for paleontologists, offering a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating world of marine reptiles.