pantomimus

Pantomimus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These long-necked creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 90 to 70 million years ago. The name "Pantomimus" translates to "mimic" in Greek, a nod to its potential for camouflage or perhaps its resemblance to other marine reptiles.

Fossils of Pantopontomus have been discovered primarily in Europe, with significant finds in England and France. These plesiosaurs were characterized by their relatively small size compared to some of their larger relatives, with estimated lengths typically ranging from 3 to 5 meters. They possessed a streamlined body, a long, slender neck, and four paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming. Their diet likely consisted of fish and other small marine invertebrates, which they would have captured using their sharp teeth.

The exact evolutionary relationships of Pantopontomus within the Plesiosauria are still debated among paleontologists. It is often placed within the family Elasmosauridae, known for their exceptionally long necks, though some studies suggest it may represent a more basal lineage. The discovery of Pantopontomus fossils contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era, a time when the oceans were populated by a variety of fascinating prehistoric creatures.