Dorygnathus banthensis

Overview

Dorygnathus banthensis was a pterosaur of Early Jurassic Europe. Large teeth at the front of the jaws and an elongated anterior lower jaw stand out. Numerous skeletons allow comparison of many individuals beyond a single specimen.^[1]

Key facts

A 2008 study of Dorygnathus examined more than 30 skeletons and dozens of isolated bones. One specimen had previously been classified as a separate, larger species, but new discoveries led the study to suggest it too could be a large individual of Dorygnathus banthensis. Bringing many fossils together is important for clarifying a species’ form.^[1]

Time and place

The Jurassic spans approximately 200–143 million years ago, and Dorygnathus is known from the Toarcian, a stage of the Early Jurassic. Fossils have been reported from present-day Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony in Germany and Nancy in France. Several localities across modern borders connect the story of one pterosaur.^[1][2]

The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.

Size, form and skeleton

Especially large teeth occupy the front of the jaws. The upper jaw is deep, and the top of the head is described as rising gently toward the rear. An elongated, deep anterior lower jaw curving upward also shapes the face.^[1]

Large specimen MB.R 1977.21 is reported to have a wingspan of about 1.7 m.^[5]

Habitat and reproduction

Traces of this pterosaur survive at several European localities. Comparing isolated bones with articulated skeletons allows broader examination of body features. Individuals from separate places together reveal the diversity of an ancient pterosaur.^[1]

Fossil discovery

The species name Dorygnathus banthensis dates back to 1830. A comprehensive 2008 study brought together skeletons and isolated bones accumulated over many years to review anatomy and classification. Old discoveries remain central to research through new comparisons.^[1]

References

1. Padian (2008), Dorygnathus banthensis — Author’s abstract
2. International Commission on Stratigraphy (2024) — Geological time chart
3. Study — Pachycormus specimen containing an ammonite
4. Padian (2008), Dorygnathus banthensis — Author’s abstract
5. Cooper et al. (2024) — The diet of Early Jurassic pterosaurs

Research questions

Where does Dorygnathus belong on the pterosaur family tree? A 2008 study compared several skeletal features and proposed a position near Rhamphorhynchus and pterodactyloids. This question reads whole-body features together rather than relying on one similar facial region.^[1]

Observation

First find the large teeth at the front of the jaws. Then examine upper jaw height and the direction in which the front of the lower jaw curves. Teeth, jaws, and the skull roof offer different points of observation within one face.^[1]