Crocodylomorph diversity in Europe peaked during the Late Cretaceous, with eusuchians
dominating the fossil record. However, ziphodont forms, including the enigmatic Doratodon,
are increasingly recognized from multiple Santonian–Maastrichtian European localities.
A new occurrence from the earliest Campanian Villaggio del Pescatore site in northeastern
Italy represents the most complete notosuchian from the latest Cretaceous Mediterranean
carbonate platforms. High-resolution micro-computed tomographic imaging reveals key
dental features, including alternate, asymmetric tooth replacement and varied tooth
morphologies lacking denticulated carinae. The preserved neurovascular architecture
of the specimen also provides new data on trigeminal innervation, suggesting high
tactile sensitivity. Comparisons with both eastern and western European taxa support
the hypothesis of biogeographical partitioning between the western Ibero-Armorican
region, the Adriatic–Dinaric Carbonate Platform (ADCP), and the remaining eastern
European archipelago. The Villaggio del Pescatore occurrence increases the faunal
diversity from the site and strengthens the biogeographical links between Italian
and other eastern European faunas, while also emphasizing evolutionary divergence
from western forms, such as Doratodon ibericus. This specimen bridges a gap in the
geographical distribution of Doratodon-like forms and suggests intermittent faunal
exchanges across ADCP landmasses, underscoring the pivotal role of the ADCP in the
persistence, diversification, and dispersal of ziphodont crocodylomorphs and other
vertebrates across the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago.
