Dorygnathus banthensis? (SMNS 50164) Middle Jurassic ~175mya, ~36 cm snout-to-vent length was derived from a sister to the SMNS 51827 specimen of Dorygnathus and phylogenetically preceded a tiny pterosaur attributed to Pterodactylus TM 10341.
Distinct from the SMNS 51827 specimen, the rostrum of SMNS 50164 was much longer. The premaxilla curved dorsally. The base of the orbit was pointed due to expansion of the postorbital process. The postorbital intersected the orbit lower. The quadrate tipped back further. The maxillary plates on the palate were further developed. The ectopalatine and pterygoid were shorter and restricted to the posterior half of the skull.
Only ten, rather than twelve dorsal ribs were present. The caudals were surrounded by pre- and postzygopophyses.
The sternal complex was smaller. The scapula and coracoid were fused. The humerus was convex posteriorly. Fingers I-III were larger.
The anterior ilium was shorter and the posterior process was longer. The metatarsals were shorter. Ungual II was the longest.
See the pterosaur family tree here. |
