|
|
UTAHDACTYLUS
|
 |
Genus: Utahdactylus Czerkas & Mickelson, 2002
Etymology: "Utah finger"
Type species: U. kateae
Other Species: none
Diagnosis: See type species.
Classification: Novialoidea incertae sedis
Holotype: DM 002/CEUM 32588 — Incomplete skeleton preserved in several limestone blocks. Fragment of the cranium, cervical vertebra, dorsal vertebrae, caudal vertebra, ribs, scapula/coracoid, limb elements. (Czerkas & Mickelson, 2002)
Referred Specimens: none
Time: Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic
Horizon: Tidwell Member, Morrison Formation
Location: Utah, United States
Skull length: ?
Total length: ?
Wingspan: ?
Mass: ?
Diagnosis: Utahdactylus kateae is clearly a rhamphorhynchoid pterosaur based on the elongate caudal vertebra associated with long ossified rods that represent the hyperatrophied extensions of the zygapophyses. The comparatively large cervical vertebra is not elongate as in pterodactyls [sic] which also demonstrates the affinity with being a rhamphorhynchoid. However, in close inspection of the limb elements, many of which are incomplete and with cross-sections exposed, there are no indications of the inset groove which is typical in the phalanges of digit IV. (Czerkas & Mickelson, 2002)
Comments:
References:
Czerkas S. A. and Mickelson D. B., 2002, The first occurrence of skeletal pterosaur remains in Utah. In S. J. Czerkas (ed.), Feathered Dinosaurs and the origin of flight. The Dinosaur Museum Journal vol. 1 The Dinosaur Museum of Blanding, Utah. p. 3-13.