Haopterus gracilis IVPP V11726 (Wang and Lü 2001) was a complete specimen derived from a sister to the the JZMP embryo and Boreopterus. Haopterus phylogenetically preceded Arthurdactylus and Zhenyuanopterus.
Overall smaller than and distinct from Boreopterus, the skull of Haopterus was shorter and relatively taller.
The cervicals, dorsal, sacrals and caudals were all shorter.
The scapula and coracoid were shorter. The humerus was extremely roubst with a deltopectoral crest extending for ~33% of the length. As in the Lebanon ornithocheirid, the radius and ulna were relatively short. Manual 4.1 approached the elbow. The relatively longer wing would have extended far above the head when folded.
The pelvis was gracile and smaller. The femur was shorter. The metatarsals were shorter.
Ornithocheirids, like Haopterus, were evidently spending more time in the air and less on the ground, judging by their wing/leg proportions.
The ornithocheirid family tree is here. The entire pterosaur family tree is here. |
