Dimorphodon macronyx

The first fossil of Dimorphodon was discovered in 1828 by Mary Anning (1799–1847).

It was the first UK pterosaur to be scientifically described, and only the third in the whole world.

It had a large head and pointed teeth which were longer at the front of the jaws, hence its name - Dimorphodon, meaning ‘two-form tooth’.

The species name macronyx refers to the large claws on the forelimbs. The long stiff tail may have been involved in flight stability. The wingspan was approximately 1.4 metres.

The Natural History Museum collection includes three skeletons. The headless one found by Mary Anning in 1828 was described by William Buckland, a geologist at Oxford University, as Pterodactylus macronyx in 1829.

Later finds showed that the skull was very different to Pterodactylus, so Richard Owen, who later became the director of the Museum, changed the name to Dimorphodon in 1858.

Other specimens at the Museum include isolated lower jaws, a half-metre long tail and other parts of the skeleton.

Very few specimens exist outside the Natural History Museum.

Species detail

Distribution

The pterosaurs probably lived inland, but ventured out over the sea to catch fish. Find out more.
Biology

Other pterosaur fossils have helped scientists build a picture of Dimorphodon’s life history. Find out what we know.
Behaviour

Fossil footprints tell us that pterosaurs walked on all fours. What else do we know about their behaviour?
References

More sources of information on Dimorphodon macronyx.