A new Ice Age species was hiding in la brea tar pits fossils for decades

Researchers have identified a new species of extinct amphibian, Spea labreae, from fossil specimens held in the La Brea Tar Pits collections in Los Angeles. While the bones were originally collected in the 1950s, they had remained unclassified for decades until recent analysis revealed distinct morphological features that differentiate this Ice Age spadefoot toad from existing species. This discovery is particularly significant as it represents only the second extinct amphibian from the Pleistocene epoch ever identified in North America. The finding highlights the value of re-examining museum archives, as many specimens collected years ago may hold unrecognized biological diversity that can provide new insights into ancient ecosystems and climate history during the Ice Age.