Paleontologists Identified New Ancient Belemnite Species
Researchers confirmed the discovery of Wyoteuthis linsterorum, a large cephalopod from the Sundance Formation.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Geology
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Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of belemnite, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, which lived approximately 160 million years ago. This discovery confirms that the ancient cephalopod lineage persisted longer than previously understood.
Why it matters
The identification of this species provides new insight into the evolution of the Megateuthididae family during the Jurassic period. Its relatively large size suggests it held a dominant predatory position compared to smaller belemnites of the time.
The fossilized guard, the internal calcified shell of the cephalopod, measures 10 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. Based on these dimensions, researchers estimate the living animal reached 60 centimeters in total length.
The players
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
A research institution located in Wyoming that maintains a collection of fossils from the region for paleontological study.
Burkhard Pohl
A fossil researcher responsible for the initial recovery of the specimen in the late 1990s.
Cliff Linster
A collector who contributed a critical second specimen to science before his death in June 2026.
The details
Researchers used CT scanning—a medical imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional views—to examine the internal structures of the fossils found in the Wyoming Sundance Formation. By comparing two separate specimens, the team confirmed that the unique anatomical features were consistent for the species and not an isolated physical abnormality. This methodology allowed for a detailed assessment of the internal guard morphology within the family Megateuthididae.
Timeline
160 million years ago: Wyoteuthis linsterorum lived in the prehistoric sea.
Late 1990s: Burkhard Pohl unearthed the first specimen.
2019: Cliff Linster donated a second specimen to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
June 2026: Cliff Linster died.
September 10, 2026: The study was published in Papers in Palaeontology.
The Tech Race
This identification adds to the documented biological diversity of the Sundance Formation fossil record. It shifts the current understanding of the Megateuthididae family, which was previously considered extinct by this time.
Residents and visitors interested in local natural history can view the research findings through the published study in Papers in Palaeontology. Future public access to the physical specimens depends on the exhibition schedules at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
The takeaway
The discovery of Wyoteuthis linsterorum highlights the importance of re-evaluating historical fossil collections for new taxonomic classifications. Readers can watch for future comparative analyses from the Wyoming Dinosaur Center that may place this species alongside other contemporary cephalopod finds.
Further reading
For more on local fossil findings, explore the Geology section.
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