Pteranodon
ExploreAncient
Pteranodon
Pteranodon longiceps
Pteranodon was a pterosaur— a flying reptile— that soared over coastlines and lakes using long wings.
Habitat: Mesozoic coastlines and lakes
Appearance
The Pteranodon is a magnificent flying reptile with a massive, pointed head crest that can be larger in males. It has a long, toothless beak and a relatively small body with powerful, leathery wings. Its skin might have been shades of brown or grey, helping it blend with ancient skies and ocean rocks.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite its huge head crest, the Pteranodon had no teeth in its long, pointed beak!
Its enormous wingspan made it one of the largest flying animals to ever exist!
Pteranodon flew over ancient seas, like a giant seagull, searching for its next meal.
Scientists believe Pteranodon could travel hundreds of miles over the open ocean!
Special abilities
Ability
Ocean Glider
Pteranodon can soar for long distances over the ocean because of its huge, lightweight wings that help it catch air currents.
Ability
Crested Navigator
Pteranodon has a prominent head crest that might have helped it steer in the air or attract a mate during its dives for fish.
Ability
Sharp-Eyed Fisher
Pteranodon can spot fish from high in the sky because of its excellent eyesight, allowing precise dives into the water.
Measurements & details
- Estimated Length
- 5-7 m
- Estimated Weight
- 20-93 kg
- Era
- Late Cretaceous Period
- Extinct Millions Years Ago
- 86
Diet & Feeding
This ancient flyer was a skilled fisher, mostly eating fish it caught from the sea.
Primary Foods
- fish
- squid
- small marine animals
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
saber-toothed herring
Enchodus ferox
Pteranodon often hunted these common fish in Cretaceous seas.
hunts
Ginsu shark
Cretoxyrhina mantelli
Large sharks might have preyed on Pteranodon if it landed on water.
hunts
Mosasaur
Tylosaurus proriger
Giant marine reptiles could ambush Pteranodon near the water's surface.
Traits
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pteranodon?
5-7 m
How much does Pteranodon weigh?
20-93 kg
What does Pteranodon eat?
This ancient flyer was a skilled fisher, mostly eating fish it caught from the sea.
Where is Pteranodon usually found?
Mesozoic coastlines and lakes
How does Pteranodon hunt?
Pursuit
What geologic era did Pteranodon live in?
Late Cretaceous Period
When did Pteranodon go extinct?
86
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.
