Paleontologists Identified New Ancient Belemnite Species

Researchers discovered Wyoteuthis linsterorum, a large cephalopod from 160 million years ago, in Wyoming.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Geology

A fossilized belemnite cephalopod shell partially embedded in layered sedimentary rock, emphasizing the texture and ancient form of the specimen. — Paleontologists have identified a new cephalopod species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, from fossils discovered in Wyoming’s Sundance Formation dating back 160 million years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of ancient marine creature named Wyoteuthis linsterorum. The discovery confirms that the animal belonged to a lineage of belemnites once thought to be extinct.

Why it matters

This discovery provides significant insight into prehistoric marine life in the Western United States. The creature's substantial size suggests it held a competitive predatory advantage over smaller belemnites in the region.

The fossil guards measure 10 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide, with the full animal estimated to have reached 60 centimeters in length. Researchers utilized CT scanning to verify internal structures and ruled out anatomical abnormalities.

The players

Wyoteuthis linsterorum

This is a newly identified genus and species of belemnite that existed during the Jurassic period.

Burkhard Pohl

He is the paleontologist credited with unearthing the first specimen of this ancient creature in the late 1990s.

Cliff Linster

He was a contributor to the research who discovered a second specimen and whose family donated it to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

This institution houses the paleontological specimens used to identify and confirm the new belemnite species.

The details

Found in the Sundance Formation of Wyoming, the specimens provide the first look at this unique species. Paleontologists compared two separate fossils to confirm the anatomy, ensuring the classification was accurate before publishing their findings.

The species lived approximately 160 million years ago.
The first specimen was unearthed in the late 1990s.
A second specimen was donated in 2019.
Cliff Linster died in June 2026.
The study was published in Papers in Palaeontology on September 10, 2026.

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The Big Picture

This discovery fundamentally shifts the understanding of cephalopod evolution by identifying a lineage that survived longer than previously established hypotheses. It bridges gaps in the fossil record and unlocks new research regarding the persistence of the Megateuthididae family.

This discovery highlights the hidden history within the Sundance Formation, which may encourage future local paleontology efforts. It demonstrates how modern imaging technology like CT scanning can continue to refine our understanding of ancient biological diversity.

The takeaway

The study demonstrates that ancient lineages often persisted longer than scientists previously assumed. It serves as a reminder that local fossil collections can still yield groundbreaking discoveries about the Earth's history.