Ancient Flying Reptile Remains Uncovered at Rutland Quarry

The fossilized remains of a massive flying reptile from the dinosaur era have been put on public display after their excavation at a quarry in Rutland. During field visits to the Ketton cement works, members of the Peterborough Geological and Palaeontological Group uncovered two sections of a bone embedded within layers of limestone. This substantial bone has since been dated to approximately 170 million years ago, marking it as the first pterosaur fossil from the Bajocian age of the Middle Jurassic period. Palaeontologists believe this represents the initial pterosaur fossil discovery in the county, and the bone fragments are currently exhibited at the Rutland County Museum in Oakham. Penny Sharp, director of places at Rutland County Council, commented: “It’s tremendous to have yet another major discovery, following hot on the heels of the Rutland Water ichthyosaur and 4th Century Roman mosaic that have already been unearthed in the county.” According to research published in October in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association Journal, the bone is thought to be a left ulna. Based on this section, the fossil’s complete wingspan is estimated to have measured between 3.5m and 4m, categorizing it as an “unusually large” pterosaur. The Rutland County Museum noted that such discoveries are rare because pterosaur bones are hollow and easily crushed. Aurelien Colas, the Grange Top quarry manager for Heidelberg Materials, described the find as “truly exciting,” adding: “Without quarrying, these fossils would likely never be found as they are buried so deep beneath layers of rocks.” For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.