Ornithocephalus brevirostris BSPG 1971 I 17 (Soemmerring 1812-1817) Pterodactylus micronyx von Meyer 1856, No. 29 in the Wellnhofer (1970) catalog) was the second pterosaur described and has traditionally been considered a hatchling due to its "juvenile" size and proportions (short rostrum, large orbit). However, in cladistic analysis, it nests with other small, short rostrum, large orbit taxa. Derived from a sister to the Scaphognathus no. 110, Ornithocephalus phylogenetically preceded two taxa mistakenly attributed to Pterodacylus and Germanodactylus, No. 9 and No. 31 from the Wellnhofer (1970) catalog.
Distinct from the Scaphognathus No. 110, the skull of Ornithocephalus was shorter, with a smaller, more pointed rostrum and much smaller teeth. The lacrimal process of the jugal was vertical, increasing the size of the orbit. The naris remained distinct from the antorbital fenestra, contra most assessments of the old 'Pterodactyloidea'. The prenaris portion of the rostrum was greatly reduced. The anterior dentary tooth (on each ramus) formed an anteriorly directed spike.
The torso was smaller. The tail remained long and was more robust, contra most assessments of the old 'Pterodactyloidea'.
The sternal complex was much smaller, but with the same shape. The scapula was shorter. Reversing a trend seen in ancestral taxa, the humerus was relatively longer, extending back nearly to the pelvis. The metacarpus was three times longer. Fingers I-III were smaller and III was much longer than II. Manual 4.2 extended beyond the elbow, but the distal wing phalanges were relatively shorter.
The pubis extended more anteriorly. The prepubis was larger. The ischium was deeper. The hindlimb was longer. Pedal digit V was shorter. The unguals were shorter. |
