研究人员通过紫外光照射技术，在一具1.25亿年前的古代鳄鱼化石上发现了迄今已知最古老的鳄形类着色证据。1这具化石编号为MGB-512，长约50厘米，于西班牙加泰罗尼亚地区莱里达省梅亚采石场出土。1
在紫外光的照射下，化石的尾部显露出交替出现的明暗条纹，研究人员将其解释为可能的伪装图案。1除此之外，这具化石还保存了表皮鳞片、可能的感觉器官和软组织结构。1研究团队进一步发现了胸部的软骨结构，表明这种古代鳄鱼拥有高效的呼吸系统。1
该研究由Oscar Castillo-Visa、Jesús Serrano、Albert G. Sellés、Àngel Galobart和Phil Bell等研究人员完成，相关成果已发表于《林奈学会动物学期刊》2026年第207卷第2期。1
Researchers examining a crocodilian fossil discovered in northeastern Spain have used ultraviolet light to uncover remarkable soft-tissue preservation, including what may represent the oldest known color pattern evidence in the crocodile lineage. The specimen, catalogued as MGB-512 and measuring approximately 50 centimeters in length, dates to roughly 125 million years ago and was found at the Meià quarry in Lleida Province, Catalonia.1 When exposed to UV illumination, alternating light and dark stripes became visible along the tail, potentially indicating an ancient camouflage pattern.1
Beyond the possible coloration, the analysis revealed exceptional preservation of epidermal scales, what are believed to be sensory organs, and soft tissue structures.1 Researchers also identified cartilage within the chest region, suggesting the creature possessed an efficient respiratory system.1 The findings were reported by Oscar Castillo-Visa, Jesús Serrano, Albert G. Sellés, Àngel Galobart, and Phil Bell, and have been published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society in 2026, Volume 207, Issue 2.1
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