Dimorphodon

Dimorphodon macronyx

Dimorphodon was a pterosaur— a flying reptile— that soared over coastlines and lakes using long wings.

Habitat: Mesozoic coastlines and lakes

Appearance

The Dimorphodon has an unusually large head with two distinct types of teeth, giving it a unique profile. It sports a robust body, short neck, and a very long tail ending in a diamond-shaped 'rudder'. Its leathery wings stretched between its long fourth finger and hind limb.

KingdomAnimalia

Dimorphodon

Interesting facts

Dimorphodon was one of the earliest known pterosaurs, soaring the skies millions of years before most dinosaurs.

Fossils of Dimorphodon were first discovered in the cliffs of Lyme Regis, England.

Its name means 'two-form tooth', because of its uniquely different sized teeth.

Unlike later pterosaurs, its long stiff tail probably helped it balance in the air.

Special abilities

Dimorphodon can snap up prey with its strong, deep jaw because of its unusually large head and two types of teeth that help it grip.

Dimorphodon has a very long tail with a special diamond-shaped flap that helps them steer and balance while flying through ancient skies.

Dimorphodon can likely climb trees and cliffs using its strong claws on both its hands and feet, helping them find safe roosts.

Measurements & details

Estimated Length: 0.8-1 m
Estimated Weight: 2-5 kg
Era: Early Jurassic
Extinct Millions Years Ago: 180

Diet & Feeding

This ancient flyer mainly ate fish and small land creatures.

Primary Foods

Fish
Lizards
Insects

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Leptolepis fish

Leptolepis coryphaenoides

Ate this common Early Jurassic fish.

eats

Marmoretta lizard

Marmoretta oxoniensis

Hunted small, agile reptiles in coastal areas.

eaten by

Dilophosaurus

Dilophosaurus wetherilli

Potentially hunted by larger theropod dinosaurs if grounded.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Crested

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Variegated

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Colorful

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Ancient

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Artifact

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Fossil

Discover amazing clues about ancient life preserved in rocks! Fossils are like nature's time capsules, showing us creatures and plants from millions of years ago.