Altmuehlopterus rhamphastinus formerly Germanodactylus rhamphastinus (Wagner 1851 B St AS I 745, No. 64 of Wellnhofer 1970) was the first of the "large" germanodactylids. No. 64 was derived from No. 23 and phylogenetically preceded Eosipterus and JME Moe 12.
Distinct from No. 23, the skull of No. 64 was deeper anteriorly and crested posteriorly. The orbit was smaller with a V-shaped ventral margin. The teeth were larger and narrower. The jugal was narrower and deeper.
The cervicals were longer and decreased in size cranially. The torso was reduced. The caudals were longer as a set, but most individual caudals remained short.
The deltopectoral crest did not lean medially. The humerus was straight. The metacarpus was relatively longer. Fingers I-III were more robust and the unguals were larger. Manual 4.2 extended just to the elbow.
The ischium was bifurcated. The prepubis was L-shaped. Pedal digit I was shorter. The unguals were smaller.
Size comparisons between germanodactylids are here. The family tree of the Ornithocephalia and Germanodactylia is here. The expanded family tree of the Pterosauria is here. |
