Pterosaur

"winged lizard"

TRIASSIC to CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 

228 - 65 million years ago

The Pterosaur was a flying reptile (commonly referred to as Pterodactyl "wing finger") of the order Pterosauria.  They existed from the late Triassic to the Cretaceous Periods (228 - 65 million years ago) with the earlier Triassic species having long, fully toothed jaws and long tails.  The later forms had a stump for a tail, no teeth and a jaw more like a beak than the elongated jaw of the earlier species. 

At least 60 genera of pterosaurs have been found with sizes ranging from a sparrow to monsters with wingspans in excess of 40 feet!  The wings were thin membranes of skin, similar to the wings of bats, and extended along the sides of the body.  

They were attached to the extraordinarily long fourth finger of each arm.  The bones were hollow and had openings at each end.    Unlike typical reptiles, pterosaurs had a breastbone that was developed for the attachment of flight muscles and a brain that was more developed than comparable dinosaurs of similar sizes.  There is no fossil evidence of feathers.  Most researchers now believe that pterosaurs were adapted for active flight, not just gliding as was earlier believed.

Common misspellings:  Terosaur, Terasaur, Pteradactyl, Pterasaur

The pterosaur specimens we offer are not limited to what is just shown here.  Please inquire as to any of your specific needs.