Scientists discover new prehistoric flying lizard inside vomit fossil

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Researchers have discovered a new type of pterosaur thanks to an incredibly unusual fossil: a prehistoric lump of vomit. This fossil contained the remains of the flying reptile, along with several fish it had eaten.

Scientists have discovered a new pterosaur species, named Bakiribu waridza, which is unique as the first known filter-feeder from tropical regions. This discovery is detailed in a recent paper published in Scientific Reports.

So, apparently this fossil comes from the Santana Group in Brazil – it’s in this area called the Araripe Basin. What’s kinda weird is, researchers say it wasn’t a recent find; they actually dug it up years ago! It just took a while for them to really study it, I guess.

Fossilized vomit reveals new filter-feeding pterosaur

Researchers recently examined a fossil that had been part of a museum collection for years and discovered something remarkable inside, as detailed in a 2025 publication.

Researchers discovered a fascinating fossil: the remains of a fish and a previously unknown flying reptile they’ve named Bakiribu waridza. The excellent preservation of the bones indicates the reptile was likely swallowed by a larger predator, which then coughed up the remains. Over millions of years, these remains turned into fossils.

This species is remarkable for its probable feeding method. Scientists believe it had long jaws filled with tiny, comb-like teeth. It likely used these to strain small creatures from the water, much like whales do today.

Bakiribu waridza isn’t the only recent historical find. Just last month, a newly discovered dinosaur species from South Korea was officially named Doolysaurus huhmini.

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2026-04-14 14:19