An unusual long-tailed pterosaur with elongated neck from western Liaoning of China

Abstract

A new long-tailed pterosaur, Wukongopterus lii gen. et sp. nov, is described based on an almost complete skeleton (IVPP V15113) representing an individual with an estimated wing span of 730 mm. The specimen was discovered in strata that possibly represent the Daohugou Bed (or Daohugou Formation) at Linglongta, Jianchang, Liaoning Province, China. Wukongopterus lii is a non-pterodactyloid pterosaur diagnosed by the first two pairs of premaxillary teeth protruding beyond the dentary, elongated cervical vertebrae (convergent with Pterodactyloidea), and a strongly curved second pedal phalanx of the fifth toe. The specimen further has a broken tibia that indicates an injury occurred while the individual was still alive. Taphonomic aspects provide indirect evidence of an uropatagium, supporting the general hypothesis that at least all non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs show a membrane between the hind limbs. A phylogenetic analysis including most non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs shows that Wukongopterus lii gen. et sp. nov. lies outside the Novialoidea, being cladistically more primitive than the Rhamphorhynchidae and Campylognathoides. This analysis differs from previous studies and indicates that more work is needed before a stable picture of non-pterodactyloid pterosaur relationships is achieved.

New long-tailed pterosaurs (Wukongopteridae) from western Liaoning, China

“…The left humerus is exposed laterally and an imprint in the matrix indicates that the deltopectoral crest was developed (Fig. 4a), but more confined to the proximal portion of the humerus, which is regarded as a plesiomorphic trait within pterosaurs (e.g., Wang et al 2009). The right humerus is exposed in dorsal view and shows a tiny foramen in the proximal half (Fig.…”

“…The stratigraphy of these deposits is disputed, with some regarding them as part of the Daohugou Formation (e.g., Wang et al 2009), whereas others refer them to the Tiaojishan Formation (e.g., Lü et al 2010). There are also questions about the age of these deposits, ranging from Middle to Late Jurassic (Zhang 2002 up to the Early Cretaceous (e.g., , He et al 2004).…”

“…So far, two pterosaur taxa have been recognized from Linglongta: Wukongopterus lii Wang et al 2009 and Darwinopterus modularis Lü et al 2010. Another species, Changchengopterus pani Lü 2009, recovered from a different locality (Mutoudeng Town, Qinglong County), apparently also comes from the same stratigraphic unit (Lü 2009, Wang et al 2009).…”

“…Another species, Changchengopterus pani Lü 2009, recovered from a different locality (Mutoudeng Town, Qinglong County), apparently also comes from the same stratigraphic unit (Lü 2009, Wang et al 2009). …”

“…Emended diagnosis: Wukongopterid pterosaur with the following combination of characters that distinguishes it from other members of this clade (autapomorphies are marked with an asterisk): first two pairs of premaxillary teeth protruding beyond the dentary almost vertical*; dentition formed by short cone-shaped and very pointed teeth; preacetabular portion of the ilium reduced*; strongly curved second pedal phalanx of the fifth toe with an angle between the proximal and distal segment about 70 • *; proximal segment of the second NEW LONG-TAILED PTEROSAURS (WUKONGOPTERIDAE) FROM CHINA 1047 pedal phalanx of the fifth toe elongated* (modified from Wang et al 2009 Emended diagnosis: Wukongopterid pterosaur with the following combination of characters that distinguishes this genus from others of this clade: posterior region of the skull elongated; presence of a bony premaxillary crest that starts about the anterior margin of the nasoantorbital fenestra; dorsal margin of the premaxillary crest serrated; thin nasal process; preacetabular region of the ilium elongated (modified from Lü et al 2010). Lü, Unwin, Jin, Liu and Ji 2010 Emended diagnosis: Wukongopterid pterosaur with the following combination of characters that distinguishes it from other members of this clade (autapomorphies are marked with an asterisk): posterior region of the skull more elongated than in Darwinopterus linglongtaensis sp.…”