Some pterosaurs may have boasted bold iridescence

Microscopic structures in a fossil suggest the animal had colors that shift with viewing angle

An artist's illustration of two pterosaurs in a Cretaceous landscape. One has outstretched wings and a large blue head crest. Another clings to a tree trunk and has a red and white crest.

Artists have long imagined pterosaurs in vivid hues. A new fossil analysis suggests at least one species really did shimmer in iridescent greens and magentas.

Courtesy of Zhao Chuang

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