meelitus

Meelitus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the plesiosaurian clade, specifically within the group often referred to as "pliosaurs" or more accurately, polycotylid plesiosaurs. These creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of Meelitus have been discovered in North America, particularly in the Western Interior Seaway region. They are characterized by their relatively short necks and long, powerful jaws, adaptations that suggest a predatory lifestyle.

The anatomy of Meelitus is typical of polycotylids, which were generally medium-sized plesiosaurs. They possessed four paddle-like limbs that allowed for efficient swimming. Unlike the long-necked plesiosaurian families, Meelitus and its relatives had shorter necks, placing them in a distinct ecological niche. Their teeth were sharp and numerous, suitable for grasping slippery prey such as fish and squid. The fossil record indicates that Meelitus was a successful predator in its marine environment. While not as widely known as some of the larger pliosaurs or the long-necked plesiosaurs, Meelitus represents an important part of the diverse marine ecosystems of the Cretaceous.