240 million-year-old monster marine reptile’s fossil discovered with intact skin

Scientists in Switzerland discovered a remarkably preserved 240-million-year-old fossil of Lariosaurus valceresii, a marine reptile, marking the first time this species has been found with intact skin and scales. The fossil revealed webbed hands and feet along with powerful muscle attachments that suggest the creature swam using a "rowing-flying" motion similar to modern seals. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that ancient nothosaurs primarily used their tails for swimming, showing instead that Lariosaurus relied on its front limbs for propulsion and rapid acceleration.