For Immediate Release Media contacts: The Field Museum Pat Kremer/ Nancy O'Shea 312/665-7100 The Field Museum Presents The Sneaky Creature Known as The Dinocephalosaurus CHICAGO- The Field Museum will present its latest prehistoric gem – Sneaky Sea Creature: New Fossil Find from China a new discovery from the forefront of paleontology research. The fossil skeleton of a newly identified species, the Dinocephalosauraus orientalis, (“terrible-headed lizard from the Orient”) was discovered in 2003 in southwest China and will go on display from March 19 through June 17. The exhibition will be located on the upper level of the Museum and is free with Museum admission. Two hundred and thirty million years ago, this Triassic period sea creature lurked in murky shallow seas sneaking up on fish and squid. Dinocephalosauraus had a small head with many fang-like teeth and a slender neck made up of 25 vertebrae, measuring almost 6 feet long - twice as long as its body. Its neck had long ribs that expanded its esophagus. In order to catch its prey in murky Triassic seas, water was sucked into its esophagus, allowing the creature to suck up water as it lunged and “vacuumed up” its prey. While the slippery fish or squid was gripped in its sharp, inward facing teeth, Dinocephalosauraus would expel water, and then enjoy a tasty meal. Field Museum scientist Olivier Rieppel and colleagues in China and Chicago published an article in September 2004 about this species in the journal Science. China is one of the world’s hotbeds for paleontology research and visitors will enjoy a rare opportunity to learn about this recent find. Great dinosaurs from China will be featured in another exhibition at the Field Dinosaur Dynasty: Discoveries from China, from May 27 through April 23, 2006. The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Heated, indoor parking is available at Soldier Field, steps from the Museum’s south entrance. Early bird rates apply if you arrive before 9:30 a.m. For further information, call (312) 922-9410 or visit www.fieldmuseum.org. <<Back to the Press Room