A Late Cretaceous Lonchodectid?

Published: Dec. 20, 2019, 8:08 p.m.

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2019.12.17.879783v1?rss=1 Authors: Albuquerque, C. Abstract: A pterosaur ulnar specimen (NZMS CD 467) from the Mangahouanga Stream of New Zealand’s North Island has been first described by Wiffen et al 1988. Assumed to belong to a “Santanadactylus-like” pterosaur, this taxon has not since been extensively described, with only a few tentative claims that it represents an azhdarchid. Here, I re-examine the specimen and compare it to other pterodactyloid taxa, noting peculiar features such as its plug-like (obdurate) ulnar end. Christened Parirau ataroa, this taxon is found to be a lonchodectid, which alongside the North American Navajodactylus boerei extends this clade into the world’s youngest pterosaur faunas.View Full Text Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info