Lessiniabatis is an extinct genus of highly unusual stingray from the Early Eocene of Italy.
Phylogenetic analyses recover it as a derived member of the Dasyatoidea, and the sister group to the Dasyatidae and Potamotrygonidae.
[1][3][4] The unusual adaptations of Lessiniabatis may reflect an evolutionary radiation in new body plans by cartilaginous fish following either the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event or the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.
The Monte Bolca formation is thought to reflect a shallow tropical sea in the western Tethys Ocean with scattered coral reefs.
Due to its highly reduced tail, Lessiniabatis likely had a benthic lifestyle, propelling itself with its strengthened pectoral fins.