Name:
Pterodactylus (Greek for "wing finger"); pronounced TER-oh-DACK-till-us
Habitat:
Shores of Europe and South Africa
Historical Period:
Late Jurassic (150-144 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
Wingspan of 3 feet and 2 to 10 pounds
Diet:
Insects, meat and fish
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Long beak and neck; short tail; wings attached to three-fingered hands
About Pterodactylus:
Pterodactylus is a case study in how confusing it can be to classify ancient creatures. The first pterosaur (flying reptile) ever to be discovered, way back in 1784, Pterodactylus is actually a genus that comprises a wide variety of species--all of which are characterized by light builds, long beaks, and short tails.
Because it's been in the public eye for over two centuries, Pterodactylus (in the slightly shorter form of plain old "Pterodactyl") has become pretty much synonymous with "flying reptile." This is a bit unfortunate, since other pterosaurs--such as Pteranodon and Anurognathus--are equally important from an evolutionary perspective.
