lumiauraus

Lumiauraus, also known as Lumiaurus, is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Lumiauraus aurora, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. Lumiauraus is notable for its unique combination of features, including a long, slender body, a large head with a distinctive beak, and a long, whip-like tail.

The name Lumiauraus is derived from the Latin words "lumen," meaning light, and "aurora," meaning dawn, reflecting the species' association with the Hell Creek Formation, which is known for its rich fossil deposits and the presence of numerous dinosaurs. The specific name "aurora" is also a reference to the dawn, as the species was named in honor of the Aurora Fossil Park, where the fossil was discovered.

Lumiauraus is classified as a mosasaur, a group of marine reptiles that were closely related to lizards and snakes. Mosasaurs were one of the largest marine reptiles to have ever lived, with some species reaching lengths of over 50 feet. Lumiauraus is one of the smallest known mosasaurs, with an estimated length of around 10 feet.

The fossil of Lumiauraus aurora consists of a nearly complete skeleton, including the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and limb bones. The skeleton is well-preserved, with only a few missing elements. The fossil provides valuable insights into the anatomy and biology of mosasaurs, as well as their evolution and extinction. Lumiauraus is an important addition to the fossil record of mosasaurs, and its discovery has helped to fill in gaps in our understanding of these fascinating marine reptiles.