After years of detailed analysis, paleontologists determined that B. elgolensis falls into a lesser known group of predatory squamates called Parviraptoridae. At around 167 million years’ old, this particular B. elgolensis is one of the oldest, surprisingly complete reptile fossils ever seen. B. elgolensis likely used its curved, snakelike teeth and jaw structure to prey on smaller lizards, mammals, and possibly even young dinosaurs. Credit: Mick Ellison / AMNHFor now, these unique characteristics leave B. elgolensis’ evolutionary trajectory a mystery. If this proves to be true, B. elgolensis may have independently evolved its distinctive jaws and teeth.