Name:
Dendrorhynchoides
(Tree rhynchus).
Phonetic: Den-dro-rink-oides.
Named By: Ji, Ji & Padian - 1999.
Classification: Chordata, Reptilia,
Pterosauria, Rhamphorhynchoidea, Anurognathidae.
Species: D. curvidentatus (type).
Type: Insectivore.
Size: 40 centimetre wingspan.
Known locations: China, Liaoning Province -
Yixian Formation.
Time period: Aptian of the Cretaceous.
Fossil representation: Almost complete skeleton of a
sub adult.
Dendrorhynchoides
caused some confusion when it was first described because while the
overall body morphology is that of an anurognathid, the long tail is
not a recognised characteristic of the group. However the answer for
this is a very simple one. The holotype was obtained from illegal
fossil dealers who had added the tail to the original specimen,
presumably to increase its aesthetic as well as monetary value. Such
deception on the part of rogue fossil dealers is unfortunately quite
common with the most well-known case being that of the 'Archaeoraptor
scandal'.
With
the riddle of the tail known, and confirmed by pterosaur
experts,
Dendrorhynchoides is now placed within
anurognathidae. Physical
similarities aside, Dendrorhynchoides most
probably would have lived
the life of an insectivore like others of the group, including
Anurognathus
and Jeholopterus.
The sharp teeth of Dendrorhynchoides
would have been well suited to skewering insects in flight.
Further reading
- A new fossil pterosaur (Rhamphorhynchoidea) from Liaoning,
Dendrorhynchus curvidentatus, gen. et sp. nov. - Jiangsu Geology
22(4):199-206. - Ji S.-A. & Ji Q - 1998.
- Evolutionary radiation of the Jehol Biota: chronological and
ecological perspectives - Geological Journal 41 (3–4): 377–393. - Z.
Zhou - 2006.
- A New Specimen of Dendrorhynchoides (Pterosauria: Anurognathidae)
with a Long Tail and the Evolution of the Pterosaurian Tail - Acta
Geoscientica Sinica 31 Supp.1: 29-30 - David W.E. Hone & L�
Junchang - 2010.