Archaeopteryx
ExploreAncient
Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx lithographica
Archaeopteryx was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.
Habitat: Mesozoic forests and floodplains
Appearance
The Archaeopteryx has a small, crow-sized body with feathered wings, a long bony tail, and a jaw filled with tiny, sharp teeth. Its dark plumage likely contrasted with its reptilian face, making it look like a feathered lizard-bird hybrid.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Archaeopteryx had a long bony tail, just like a dinosaur, but covered in feathers!
It's called the 'first bird' because it mixes feathers with dinosaur bones!
Its brain was bigger than most reptiles, helping it hunt and navigate its world!
Scientists found its first fossil preserved perfectly in a limestone quarry!
Special abilities
Ability
Gliding Flight
Archaeopteryx could glide between trees because of its feathered wings, helping it navigate its forest habitat.
Ability
Climbing Prowess
Archaeopteryx had sharp claws on its wings and feet that helped it grip tree bark for ascending quickly.
Ability
Reptilian Jaw
Archaeopteryx had a jaw full of tiny, sharp teeth to catch and hold slippery insects and small lizards.
Measurements & details
- Estimated Length
- 0.5-0.6 m
- Estimated Weight
- 0.8-1 kg
- Era
- Late Jurassic Period
- Extinct Millions Years Ago
- 150
Diet & Feeding
Small carnivore hunting tiny creatures of the Jurassic skies and forests.
Primary Foods
- insects
- small lizards
- young amphibians
- invertebrates
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Compsognathus
Compsognathus longipes
Smaller individuals likely prey for this small predator.
eats
Ancient Lacewing
Mantispa platyphylla
An ancient lacewing, a common insect prey.
shelters
Jurassic Ginkgo
Ginkgo adiantoides
Provided dense foliage for roosting and hunting.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Ancient
Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
Artifact
An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Also known as
Ancient BirdFirst Bird
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Archaeopteryx?
0.5-0.6 m
How much does Archaeopteryx weigh?
0.8-1 kg
What does Archaeopteryx eat?
Small carnivore hunting tiny creatures of the Jurassic skies and forests.
Where is Archaeopteryx usually found?
Mesozoic forests and floodplains
How does Archaeopteryx hunt?
Pursuit
What geologic era did Archaeopteryx live in?
Late Jurassic Period
When did Archaeopteryx go extinct?
150
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
