astiolla

Astiolla is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 72 million years ago. Fossils of Astiolla have been discovered in various locations, notably in North America. Astiolla species are characterized by their long necks, small heads, and paddle-like limbs, typical of plesiosaurs, which were adapted for aquatic life.

The exact phylogenetic placement of Astiolla within the plesiosaurian order is still a subject of ongoing research and debate among paleontologists. However, it is generally considered to be part of the elasmosaurid family, a group known for their exceptionally long necks. The limited fossil material available for Astiolla makes detailed anatomical and behavioral reconstructions challenging.

The discovery of Astiolla contributes to our understanding of marine ecosystems during the Cretaceous. Its existence provides insights into the diversity of plesiosaurs and their ecological roles as predators in ancient oceans. Further discoveries and analyses of Astiolla fossils are crucial for refining its classification and understanding its evolutionary history within the broader context of marine reptile evolution.