Newly Discovered 'Witch Croc' Reveals Ancient Evolutionary Diversity

Paleontologists have identified a new species of ancient reptile, *Labrujasuchus expectatus*, which roamed present-day New Mexico approximately 212 million years ago. Discovered in a fossil-rich Triassic quarry, this creature belonged to the Shuvosauridae family—a group of bipedal, beaked reptiles that are distant relatives of modern-day crocodiles. Despite its lineage, the 'witch croc'—named for the site of its discovery, 'Ranch of the Witches'—bears little physical resemblance to its modern aquatic cousins, lacking teeth and possessing a bird-like beak.

While *L. expectatus* shares a common ancestor with modern crocodilians, it represents a distinct evolutionary side branch rather than a direct ancestor. Researchers note that the specimen’s unique physiological traits, particularly in the humerus, distinguish it from previously known North American Shuvosauridae. Although the absence of teeth makes its exact diet difficult to confirm, experts suggest it was likely a carnivore or scavenger, as the fruit-bearing plants common in modern diets had not yet evolved during the Late Triassic.

This discovery is significant for the study of convergent evolution, as *L. expectatus* occupied an ecological niche and developed physical characteristics remarkably similar to those of later dinosaurs, despite not being a dinosaur itself. By analyzing the subtle anatomical differences in this specimen, scientists are better able to map the complex evolutionary tree of the Triassic period. The find underscores how diverse and experimental life was during this era, providing critical data for understanding how different lineages independently evolved similar survival strategies over millions of years.