Rhamphorhynchus

pterosaur · jurassic · fish-eater · flying reptile

Expert fish hunter. Rhamphorhynchus had needle-like teeth pointing forward in its mouth, plus a sharp, curved beak at the tip with no teeth at all. This combo made it perfect for catching slippery fish and squid.

Built-in tail rudder. Unlike many pterosaurs, this creature had a really long tail that was stiffened with tough ligaments. At the end of the tail was a special fan-shaped piece of skin that helped it steer through the air like a living kite.

Belly tells the story. Scientists found fish and squid remains inside Rhamphorhynchus fossils and even in their droppings, proving these flying reptiles were underwater hunters millions of years ago.

Jurassic period star. Rhamphorhynchus lived during the Jurassic period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, making it one of the earlier kinds of pterosaurs that ever flew.

Less specialized flyer. Unlike the shorter-tailed pterodactyls that came later, Rhamphorhynchus kept its long tail design, which scientists think made it a bit less advanced but still incredibly successful.