New species of dinosaur-era dragonfly discovered by a research student in Alberta’s Badlands
As a young child growing up in Medicine Hat, Andre Mueller’s fascination with dinosaurs has led him to a groundbreaking discovery that is shedding new light on the prehistoric era. The McGill University master’s student played a pivotal role in uncovering a fossilized dragonfly wing in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park, marking it as a new species and the first of its kind to be found in Canada’s dinosaur-aged rocks.
The discovery took place in 2023 during a paleontology field course led by Prof. Hans Larsson, where Mueller, then an undergraduate student at McGill, made the remarkable find. While the team was originally focused on finding plant fossils, Mueller’s keen eye and curiosity led to the identification of the ancient insect wing.
The newly named dragonfly species, Cordualadensa acorni, has provided researchers with valuable insights into the ecosystem of Alberta’s dinosaur era, approximately 75 million years ago. The fossil, about the width of a human hand, is believed to have played a significant role in the prehistoric food chain, potentially serving as a tasty snack for raptors.
This groundbreaking discovery has opened up avenues for further research into prehistoric insects, with Mueller and his team already uncovering more insect fossils in the area. The finding has also filled a 30-million-year gap in history, providing a clearer understanding of how dragonflies evolved over time.
Internationally renowned paleontologist Philip Currie emphasized the importance of Mueller’s discovery in painting a more accurate picture of life during the dinosaur era. He commended Larsson and his team for their contributions to the field of paleontology and expressed optimism for future discoveries in the region.
Mueller’s ongoing efforts to explore Dinosaur Provincial Park for more fossils demonstrate his dedication to uncovering the secrets of the past. With each new find, researchers are one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the ancient world and gaining a deeper understanding of the creatures that once roamed the earth.