In 2021, fossilized bones discovered in western Queensland, Australia, have unveiled a new species of flying dinosaur—a formidable predator that thrived approximately 100 million years ago, boasting an impressive 15-foot wingspan.
Unearthed by museum creator Kevin Petersen, these bones have been identified as belonging to a previously unknown species of pterosaur named Haliskia peterseni, also dubbed “Peterson’s phantom of the sea.” Leading the research, Ph.D. student Adele Pentland from Curtin University, Australia, and her team determined the specimen’s classification within the Ornithocheiromorpha group. This determination was based on characteristics such as skull shape, tooth arrangement, and shoulder bone structure.
Ornithocheiromorpha pterosaurs were widespread globally, inhabiting regions from England and Brazil to Morocco, China, Spain, and the United States.
Adele Pentland highlighted the significance of Kevin Petersen’s meticulous preparation, which yielded the most complete Ornithocheiromorph specimen discovered in Australia to date. With an estimated wingspan of about 4.6 meters, Haliskia would have dominated the skies as a fearsome predator during its era, particularly in the submerged landscapes of central western Queensland.
Describing the pterosaur family as “demonic pelicans” due to their large, scoop-like mouths adapted for catching fish, Pentland emphasized the specimen’s completeness. Haliskia peterseni’s remains, including complete lower jaws, 43 teeth, vertebrae, ribs, wing bones, and part of a leg, were found at a public dig site near Richmond, Queensland.
These discoveries contribute to the rich fossil heritage of Queensland’s former shallow seas, with Pentland expressing optimism about future finds in the area. She noted the potential for even more complete specimens to emerge from public dig pits near Richmond, underscoring the region’s status as a prime location for paleontological exploration.
In essence, the unveiling of Haliskia peterseni marks a significant addition to the understanding of prehistoric biodiversity and the evolutionary history of pterosaurs, showcasing Australia’s role in paleontological research and discovery.