First Diplodocus Fossils Discovered in Europe Found in Spain

Paleontologists in Spain have identified the first skeletal evidence of the Diplodocus genus in Europe, marking a significant shift in understanding the distribution of these famous long-necked dinosaurs. The discovery was made at the La Tejeria fossil site, a prolific excavation area located in the municipality of El Castellar within the province of Teruel in eastern Spain.

Researchers from the Dinopolis Foundation detailed their findings in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published on Monday. The team analyzed 14 caudal vertebrae and several chevron bones dating back approximately 150 million years. According to the study, the structural analysis allows scientists to confidently classify the fossils as belonging to the Diplodocus genus.

The paper describes the specimen as one of the most complete diplodocid skeletons ever found on the European continent. Historically, fossilized remains of Diplodocus had only been recovered in North America, specifically within the Morrison Formation. This new discovery serves as strong evidence supporting the theory that there was a significant exchange of continental fauna between North America and Europe during the Late Jurassic period.

While the Diplodocus is globally recognized, partially due to the fame of the “Dippy” skeleton cast displayed at the London Natural History Museum, researchers noted that the European fossil record for this group remains generally scarce and fragmentary. The find adds to a growing list of giant sauropods previously unearthed in the Teruel region, further establishing the area as a key location for Jurassic paleontology.