Domeykodactylus: Research Database
Pterodactyloidea (Pterosauria) · Early Cretaceous (~110-105 MYA) · South America — Chile (Cerro Caracol)
Research Note: Domeykodactylus was a pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Chile — one of the few known pterosaurs from Chile and an important taxon for understanding pterosaur diversity in South America.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bell & Padian 2000: Domeykodactylus and a new pterosaur from the Cretaceous of Chile
Bell & Padian 2000 provide the original description and comprehensive data on Domeykodactylus from the Early Cretaceous of Chile, establishing it as a pterodactyloid and documenting pterosaur diversity in the Cretaceous of South America
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Confirmed | A | 2000 | Fossil | Bell & Padian, Geological Magazine | Taxonomy |
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Alarcón-Muñoz et al. 2020: Domeykodactylus and additional data on pterosaur anatomy from the Cretaceous of Chile
Alarcón-Muñoz et al. 2020 provide additional data on Domeykodactylus and pterosaur anatomy from the Cretaceous of Chile, further contextualising its significance within Pterodactyloidea
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Confirmed | B | 2020 | Fossil | Alarcón-Muñoz et al., Cretaceous Research | Anatomy |
Active Debate: Pterosaur Diversity in the Cretaceous of South America
Whether pterodactyloids like Domeykodactylus were widespread in the Cretaceous of South America is debated. The evolution of pterodactyloids — and their biogeographic history — is key to understanding pterosaur history.
What We Still Do Not Know About Domeykodactylus
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimen known.
- Wingspan: Estimated.
- Diet: Likely fish-eating.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
In Depth
When discovered, Domeykodactylus was mistaken for the filter feeding pterosaur Pterodaustro because the remains of its head crest were thought to be specialised teeth for straining water. In actuality Domeykodactylus had teeth in raised sockets, and although not preserved, they would probably have been relatively small. This adaptation has seen Domeykodactylus placed within the group of pterosaurs that are noted for potentially having shellfish diets.
The name Domeykodactylus is derived from Cordillera Domeyko, a mountain range of the Andes. ‘dactylus’ is of course Greek for finger, in reference to the fact that the outer edge of a pterosaur wing is supported by an elongated finger. Another way of translating this is ‘finger from Cordillera Domeyko’.
Further Reading
– Reinterpretation of a Chilean pterosaur and the occurrence of Dsungeripteridae in South America. – Geological Magazine. 137 (1): 19–25.. – D. M. Martill, E. Frey, G. C. Diaz & C. M. Bell – 2000.
