New long-tailed pterosaurs (Wukongopteridae) from western Liaoning, China

Abstract

Two almost complete long-tailed pterosaurs from the Linglongta, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, China, are described and represent new taxa referred to the non-pterodactyloid clade Wukongopteridae. Kunpengopterus sinensis gen. et sp. nov. differs from other members of this clade mainly by the rounded posterior region of the skull, thick lacrimal process of the jugal and lack of a bony premaxillary crest. This species further shows a soft tissue crest above the frontal, a comparatively larger wing finger, and the proximal segment of the second pedal phalanx of the fifth toe shorter than in other wukongopterids. The second new species is referred to the genus Darwinopterus, D. linglongtaensis sp. nov. based on the posterior region of the skull. It further differs from other wukongopterid pterosaurs by the thin lacrimal process of the jugal, foramen on nasal process rounded, and by having the second pedal phalanx of the fifth toe less curved (115 • ). Several differences among the Wukongopteridae can be found in the dentition and the feet, suggesting that they might have occupied slightly different ecological niches. The long-tailed Changchengopterus pani is tentatively referred to this clade and new diagnosis for the wukongopterids Wukongopterus lii and Darwinopterus modularis is provided.

Short note on a non-pterodactyloid pterosaur from Upper Jurassic deposits of Inner Mongolia, China

“…The upper temporal opening is rounded and very small compared with other non-pterodactyloid taxa such as the wukongopterids (e.g. Wang et al 2009Wang et al , 2010. The lower temporal opening is slit-like differing from most non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs, similar only to the condition reported for Campylognathoides (Padian 2008a).…”

Comments on Triassic pterosaurs with discussion about ontogeny and description of new taxa

“…Based on several observations of the fusion of these bones done on non-pterodactyloids (e.g., Wellnhofer 1975a, b, c, Bennett 1995, Dalla Vecchia 2003a, Wang et al 2010) and pterodactyloids (e.g., Bennett 1993, 1996, Kellner and Tomida 2000, a preliminary classification of six ontogenetic states (OS) is proposed and discussed below. It should be noted that the current knowledge on growth variation within the Pterosauria does not allow the establishment of a complete sequence of all postcranial elements that fuse during growth.…”

Comments on the Pteranodontidae (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) with the description of two new species

“…Bennett (1992) regarded Pteranodon to show sexual dimorphism based on the presence of two types of pelves, differing mainly by the reconstructed size of the pelvic canal, which was associated with differences in wing span, size and shape of the cranial crest. In this respect, the presence of cranial crests continues to be a valid taxonomic feature for Pteranodon and other pterosaurs (see also Wang et al 2010), but its expression (shape and size) might differ within the genders. Although the idea is tempting, it is still necessary to find specimens with the skull and pelvis showing the morphological attributes of the respective gender.…”