New Triassic Crocodile Relative Hunted on Land

A study published on April 14, 2026, has identified a new species of Triassic crocodile relative that hunted on land rather than in the water. The creature, named Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa, lived approximately 205 million years ago and is characterized by a physical build adapted for terrestrial predation.

The specimen was discovered in 1948 at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, within a known dinosaur death bed. For nearly 80 years, the fossil remained in a museum basement, where it was tentatively cataloged as Hesperosuchus agilis, another small early relative of crocodiles and alligators.

Recent analysis revealed that the animal possessed an unusually short snout and a thick, reinforced skull. These features distinguish it from H. Agilis, despite the two species living in the same location and time period.

Terrestrial Hunting Adaptations

Researchers determined that Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa did not venture into the water, unlike modern crocodiles. Instead, it functioned as a land-based predator, with researchers comparing its hunting style to that of a modern fox or jackal.

The fossil evidence indicates the species had a specialization for a powerful bite, suggesting it was a fearsome predator within its ecosystem.

Broader Triassic Crocodylomorph Evolution

The identification of Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa aligns with other findings regarding early crocodylomorphs, which often occupied terrestrial niches. In March 2026, scientists identified another land-dwelling relative in Gloucester, UK, known as Galahadosuchus jonesi.

Galahadosuchus jonesi lived approximately 215 million years ago and exhibited different land-based adaptations than its New Mexican counterpart. It featured a slender build, long legs, and a lightweight frame, resembling a racing greyhound.

While Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa was built for power, Galahadosuchus jonesi was built for speed. It likely hunted small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles across an elevated landscape surrounded by dry plains.

These discoveries provide a clearer picture of early crocodile evolution, showing that these animals were diverse land-dwellers before transitioning to the semi-aquatic lifestyles seen in modern species.

Comparison of Triassic Land-Dwellers

• Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa: Identified from New Mexico; lived 205 million years ago; characterized by a reinforced skull, short snout, and powerful bite.
• Galahadosuchus jonesi: Identified from the UK; lived 215 million years ago; characterized by a lightweight body and long legs adapted for speed.