Giant Prehistoric Squid Fossil Rewrites Cephalopod Evolution
160-million-year-old 'chunky squid butt' reveals new species and hunting habits.
1Discovery of a colossal cephalopod
Paleontologists have identified a new species of prehistoric squid, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, from a remarkably wide fossilized rostrum (rear shell) found in Wyoming. Measuring 2.4 inches wide—compared to the typical 1-inch width of most belemnites—this specimen suggests a body length approaching two feet. The discovery, published in Papers in Palaeontology, represents one of the bulkiest cephalopods ever recorded from the Mesozoic era.
2A fossil that stood out
The first W. linsterorum fossil was discovered 30 years ago by Wyoming Dinosaur Center founder Burkhard Pohl, who noted its unusual size among smaller belemnite specimens. Most Wyoming belemnites measure just 2-4 inches long, making this thick rostrum fossil immediately conspicuous. The fossil remained in storage until 2019 when a second matching specimen was found near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, by collector Cliff Linster.
3Cutting-edge analysis reveals surprises
Researchers used computed tomography (CT) scanning to examine the fossils without damage, confirming they belonged to a previously unknown belemnite species. Surprisingly, these creatures came from a family thought to have gone extinct millions of years earlier. The technology allowed detailed study of the fossils' internal structures, providing new insights into ancient cephalopod anatomy.
4The inland sea of ancient Wyoming
The fossils were found in the Sundance Formation, which was submerged under a vast inland sea during the Jurassic period. This marine environment, now part of dry Wyoming, was home to diverse prehistoric life. The area has yielded numerous belemnite fossils over 200 years of excavation, though none as large as W. linsterorum until now.
5Cannibalistic tendencies explained
Researchers propose that W. linsterorum's large size gave it an advantage when hunting smaller belemnites of the Pachyteuthis genus. This mirrors modern squid behavior, where larger cephalopods frequently prey on smaller ones—sometimes even their own species. The team believes this evolutionary adaptation explains the species' unusual proportions compared to contemporary belemnites.
6A citizen scientist's legacy
The species is named after fossil collector Cliff Linster, who discovered the second specimen before passing away in 2026. Though he didn't live to see the official naming, Linster knew researchers were studying his find. His contribution highlights how amateur collectors can make significant scientific discoveries, expanding our understanding of prehistoric life.
7Challenging evolutionary timelines
The discovery pushes back the known existence of this belemnite family by millions of years, forcing paleontologists to reconsider cephalopod evolution timelines. Finding such a distinct species after centuries of fossil hunting demonstrates how much we still don't know about ancient marine ecosystems and the creatures that inhabited them.
8Significance for paleontology
This finding underscores that major discoveries can still emerge from well-studied fossil beds. The W. linsterorum fossils provide crucial evidence about predator-prey dynamics in Jurassic seas and show how evolutionary pressures shaped cephalopod body plans. They also prove that exceptional specimens can remain hidden in museum collections for decades before revealing their secrets.
Original article: Popular Science — Giant Prehistoric Squid Fossil Rewrites Cephalopod Evolution