Dimorphodon
ExploreAncient
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
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Big Bite Hunter
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.
Ability
Tail Rudder Navigator
Dimorphodon has a very long tail with a special diamond-shaped flap that helps them steer and balance while flying through ancient skies.
Ability
Climbing Grip Paws
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
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Crested
Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head.
Variegated
Pertaining to plants with leaves or petals exhibiting different colors in patches or stripes.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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
Dimorphodon pterosaurTwo-headed dragon
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dimorphodon?
0.8-1 m
How much does Dimorphodon weigh?
2-5 kg
What does Dimorphodon eat?
This ancient flyer mainly ate fish and small land creatures.
Where is Dimorphodon usually found?
Mesozoic coastlines and lakes
How does Dimorphodon hunt?
Pursuit
What geologic era did Dimorphodon live in?
Early Jurassic
When did Dimorphodon go extinct?
180
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