Diplocaulus, one of the most iconic amphibians of the Permian

Resting on the sandy bottom of a shallow Permian stream, a magnificent Diplocaulus blends into its surroundings thanks to its mottled camouflage. Seen from a semi-aquatic viewpoint, the scene immerses the viewer in a world nearly 270 million years old, long before the appearance of dinosaurs. Its remarkable boomerang-shaped skull, one of the most distinctive anatomical features in the history of life, dominates the composition while schools of fish glide peacefully in the water above. Surrounded by giant horsetails, primitive ferns, and lush aquatic vegetation, the Diplocaulus waits patiently, perfectly adapted to its habitat.