Dsungaripterus weii, extinct species of pterosaur, belonging to a group of flying reptiles that lived during the late Jurassic period, approximately 160 million years ago. It received its name in honor of the Dzungaria River in Mongolia, where the first fossils were found.
Dsungaripterus was characterized as a medium-sized pterosaur. It is estimated that it had a wingspan of around 3,5 meters, making it one of the largest pterosaurs of its time. It had a long, thin skull with a toothless jaw at the front and pointed teeth at the back.
A distinctive feature of Dsungaripterus was the presence of an inverted "V" shaped bony crest on top of its head. This crest was probably covered in soft tissue and could have had functions related to communication or visual display between individuals of the same species.
Like other pterosaurs, Dsungaripterus had wings made up of a skin membrane stretched from its fourth finger to its body. This structure allowed the pterosaur to fly and move through the air. In addition, it is believed that it could also walk on land using its front and hind legs.
The feeding of Dsungaripterus is a matter of speculation. Due to its toothless jaw at the front, it is believed that it fed mainly on small aquatic animals, such as fish and small reptiles, which it caught in flight. However, the lack of front teeth could also indicate an adaptation to filter food from water.
Dsungaripterus fossils have been found in Mongolia and China, in deposits that were ancient lakes and rivers. These fossils provide invaluable information about the diversity and evolution of pterosaurs during the Late Jurassic.
Approximate measurements of the Dsungaripterus:
- Scale 1:35
- Length 37mm
- Height 27mm
- Wingspan 93 mm
- Scale 1:20
- Length 64mm
- Height 46mm
- Wingspan 162 mm
- Scale 1:10
- Length 128mm
- Height 93mm
- Wingspan 325 mm
