In Depth
Originally named as a species of Dinornis by Richard Owen in 1844, Anomalopteryx was established as a valid genus a few years later by Ludwig Reichenbach.
Different genera of moa are noted for specialising between differing habitats, and Anomalopteryx is so far known to have lived in lowland forests where it would have browsed upon shrubs and low growing trees.
Some soft tissue of Anomalopteryx has also been found in a mummified state, though another genus, Megalapteryx, has also been identified as having mummified soft tissue.
Further Reading
– A partially mummified skeleton of Anomalopteryx didiformis from Southland. – Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Royal Society of New Zealand) 17 (4): 399–408. – R. M. Forrest – 1987.
