The Aptian Jiufotang Formation of northeast China is a Konservat Lagerstätte particularly rich in pterosaurs, notably azhdarchoids. Here we describe new genus and species toothed pteranodontoid pterosaur, Ikrandraco avatar gen. et sp. nov., based on two laterally flattened specimens. diagnosed by suite features, including very low elongate skull, strongly inclined quadrate deep, blade-like bony mandibular crest with hook-like process its posterior edge, an unusual structure so far unique to...

A new long-tailed pterosaur, Wukongopterus lii gen. et sp. nov, is described based on an almost complete skeleton (IVPP V15113) representing individual with estimated wing span of 730 mm. The specimen was discovered in strata that possibly represent the Daohugou Bed (or Formation) at Linglongta, Jianchang, Liaoning Province, China. a non-pterodactyloid pterosaur diagnosed by first two pairs premaxillary teeth protruding beyond dentary, elongated cervical vertebrae (convergent...

Two almost complete long-tailed pterosaurs from the Linglongta, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, China, are described and represent new taxa referred to non-pterodactyloid clade Wukongopteridae. Kunpengopterus sinensis gen. et sp. nov. differs other members of this mainly by rounded posterior region skull, thick lacrimal process jugal lack a bony premaxillary crest. This species further shows soft tissue crest above frontal, comparatively larger wing finger, proximal segment second pedal...

Fossil eggs and embryos that provide unique information about the reproduction early growth of vertebrates are exceedingly rare, particularly for pterosaurs. Here we report on hundreds three-dimensional (3D) species Hamipterus tianshanensis from a Lower Cretaceous site in China, 16 which contain embryonic remains. Computed tomography scanning, osteohistology, micropreparation reveal some bones lack extensive ossification potentially late-term embryos, suggesting hatchlings might have been...

Pterosaur remains are rare from the lowermost Cretaceous, hampering our understanding of taxonomic and morphological diversities pterosaurs during this period. The Lower Cretaceous Tugulu Group in Wuerho, China is renowned for hosting Wuerho Pterosaurian Fauna (WPF), which has so far yielded numerous fossil two dsungaripterid pterosaurs, Dsungaripterus weii Noripterus complicidens. Here we report a partial ornithocheiromorph humerus WPF, representing deeply divergent clade Dsungaripteridae....

Abstract The Compsognathidae was originally considered an early-diverging clade of coelurosaur theropods. However, recent study suggests that is not monophyletic. Here, we describe two new compsognathid-like species, Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis sp. nov. and Huadanosaurus sinensis gen. et from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation Dawangzhangzi (Lingyuan, western Liaoning, China). phylogenetic results indicate all theropods Early Jehol Biota form a monophyletic group Sinosauropterygidae...

The Wukongopteridae is an important pterosaur clade from the Yanliao Biota, combining features of basal and derived pterosaurs. So far, consists five species divided into three genera: Wukongopterus lii, Darwinopterus modularis, linglongtaensis, robustodens, Kunpengopterus sinensis. Here we report a new species, camposi sp. nov., based on almost complete skeleton (IVPP V 17957). referred to due presence elongated posterior region skull bony premaxillary crest that starts about anterior...

Tapejaridae is a clade of toothless pterosaurs typically characterized by large nasoantorbital fenestra and premaxillary crest that extends from the anterior to posterior part skull. Sinopterus dongi was first reported Chinese tapejarid. Another genus "Huaxiapterus" described, but it later on determined "Huaxiapterus" in fact an invalid name. Here, we report new juvenile specimen atavismus Jiufotang Formation western Liaoning, China, and revise diagnosis this species. does not present...

Abstract Among the least studied portion of pterosaur skeleton is palate, which tends to be poorly preserved and commonly only visible from one side (the ventral portion). Even in well-preserved specimens, bones tend fused, with limits individual palatal elements obscured. To shed new light on this region, we employed advanced X-ray imaging techniques non-pterodactyloid Kunpengopterus (Wukongopteridae), pterodactyloids Dsungaripterus (Dsungaripteridae), Hongshanopterus (Istiodactylidae),...

A partial skeleton of a new pterosaur, Jianchangnathus robustus gen. et sp. nov. from western Liaoning, China, is described. The specimen (IVPP V16866) was collected near Linglongta, Jianchang County, whose deposits have disputed age that range Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. species shares several features with the non-pterodactyloid Scaphognathus Late southern Germany, such as deep anterior end lower jaw, piriform temporal fenestra ventral margin broader than dorsal one and...

The counterpart of a previously described non-pterodactyloid pterosaur with an egg revealed the presence second inside body cavity this gravid female. It clearly shows that pterosaurs had two functional oviducts and demonstrates reduction one oviduct was not prerequisite for developing powered flight, at least in group. Compositional analysis suggests lack hard external layer calcium carbonate. Histological sections femur medullary bone further demonstrate reached reproductive maturity...

Abstract Pterosaurs are extinct flying reptiles, the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. Our understanding of evolutionary transition between basal, predominantly long-tailed forms derived short-tailed pterodactyloids remained poor until discovery Wukongopterus and Darwinopterus in western Liaoning, China. In this paper we report on a new genus species, Douzhanopterus zhengi , that has reduced tail, 173% length humerus, fifth pedal digit, whose phalange is ca. 20% metatarsal III,...

Eleven species of archaeopterodactyloid pterosaurs have been reported in China, mostly from the Yixian Formation western Liaoning. The first uncontroversial Jiufotang is described here. A new genus and species, Forfexopterus jeholensis, erected on basis a unique combination characters one autapomorphy: wing phalanx shorter than second, but longer third. sternum nearly complete provides incontrovertible evidence about position sternocoracoid articulations Archaeopterodactyloidea. preliminary...

A nearly complete skull of a new ctenochasmatid pterosaur, Pterofiltus qiui gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous deposits Liaoning, China, is described here. The specimen (IVPP V12339), was collected shale lower Yixian Formation (125 Ma) at Zhangjiagou locality. It has following combination characters: about 112 teeth in total (including upper and jaws); dentition occupies more than 50% length; anterior vary size; mandibular symphysis longer half whole mandible ventral view, an...

Pteranodontoids consist of a diverse and cosmopolitan clade Cretaceous pterodactyloid pterosaurs. In the Jiufotang Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Aptian) northeastern China, pterodactyloids are represented by azhdarchoids pteranodontoids, including istiodactylids anhanguerians. Here, we describe new pterosaur from this unit that represents species toothed pteranodontoid. Its overall morphology is consistent with other pteranodontoids but shows some interesting features such as orbit being more...

A new type of turtle egg fossil was established: Emydoolithus laiyangensis oogen. et oosp. nov.. Based on its elliptical morphological shape, rigid eggshells, and eggshell characteristics, it is different from other types round chelonian fossils. It the second found in Cretaceous China. This discovery shows Laiyang ecosystem Late more diversified than previously thought.

Pterosaur specimens with complete and well-preserved palatal region are rare. Here we describe new previously collected of the pterodactyloid pterosaur Dsungaripterus weii that three-dimensionally preserved provide anatomical information for this species. Among unique features is a lateral process pterygoid divided into two parts: an anterior thin, parabolic arc shaped element separates secondary subtemporal fenestrae, followed by dorsoventrally flattened portion directed inside fenestrae....

The Istiodactylidae is a group of pterodactyloids characterised by large nasoantorbital fenestrae and labiolingually compressed teeth, with several records reported from the Early Cretaceous northeastern China western Europe. Here we report new istiodactylid, Lingyuanopterus camposi gen. et sp. nov. Jiufotang Formation Lingyuan, Liaoning, China. holotype represented near-complete skull, mandible atlas-axis complex. It distinguished other istiodactylids characters, including two...

Daohugou is an important locality of the Jurassic Yanliao Biota, where only two pterosaurs have been described so far (Jeholopterus and Pterorhynchus). Here we report a new genus species, Daohugoupterus delicatusgen. et sp. nov. (IVPP V12537), from this region, consisting partial skeleton with soft tissue. The skull laterally compressed, differing Jeholopterus. antorbital fenestra larger than in Pterorhynchus. upper temporal unusually small. short cervical vertebrae bearing ribs indicate...

Cranial crests show considerable variation within the Pterosauria, a group of flying reptiles that developed powered flight. This includes Wukongopteridae, clade non-pterodactyloids, where presence or absence such head structures, allied with in pelvic canal, have been regarded as evidence for sexual dimorphism. Here we discuss cranial crest wukongopterids and briefly report on new specimen (IVPP V 17957). We also there is no significant anatomy pelvis crested crestless specimens. further...

A new species of boreopterid pterosaur from the fossil locality, Heichengzi, Beipiao, western Liaoning, China allows a reassessment Boreopteridae. In this analysis, three species, Boreopterus cuiae , giganticus n. sp., and Zhenyuanopterus longirostris are included within Boreopteridae united by autopomorphic occurrence two main tooth morphologies, an equal length tibia femur, weak feet. Other taxa previously placed not in monophyletic group with former species. has fewer teeth shorter row...

Abstract After being inaccessible for a number of years, the holotype and other specimens dsungaripterid pterodactyloid pterosaur Noripterus complicidens are again available study. Numerous taxa assigned to Dsungaripteridae have been described since erection , but with limited comparisons this genus. Based on information from Young's original material here we revise taxonomic identity N. that Asian dsungaripterids. We conclude is likely be distinct recovered Mongolia latter should placed in separate

Pterosaurs consist of an extinct group flying reptiles that show short- and long-tailed species. Among those are the anurognathids whose phylogenetic position has been considered quite controversial. So far, there about 10 described specimens from Anurognathidae, which only a few preservation caudal elements. Here, we report new anurognathid specimen (IVPP V16728) Mutoudeng, Qinglong, Hebei, China shows most complete tail this non-pterodactyloid clade. The preserved part at least 20...