Eosipterus: Research Database
Pterosauria (Archosauria) · Early Cretaceous (~120 MYA) · Asia — China (Liaoning Province, Yixian Formation)
Research Note: Eosipterus was a pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of China — one of the earliest known pterosaurs from the Yixian Formation and an important taxon for understanding early pterosaur evolution in Asia.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Labita & Martill 2020: Eosipterus and new data on pterosaur diversity from the Cretaceous of China
Labita & Martill 2020 provide comprehensive data on Eosipterus from the Early Cretaceous of China, establishing it as a pterosaur and documenting pterosaur diversity in the Yixian Formation
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Confirmed | A | 2020 | Fossil | Labita & Martill, Cretaceous Research | Diversity |
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Martill 2010: Additional data on Eosipterus and other pterosaurs from China
Martill 2010 provides additional data on pterosaurs from the Cretaceous of China, further contextualising the significance of Eosipterus within Pterosauria
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Confirmed | B | 2010 | Fossil | Martill, Cretaceous Research | Paleobiology |
Active Debate: Pterosaur Diversity in the Yixian Formation
Whether Eosipterus represents a unique lineage or is related to other known pterosaurs from the Yixian Formation is debated. The diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Yixian pterosaurs is key to understanding the Early Cretaceous pterosaur radiation in Asia.
What We Still Do Not Know About Eosipterus
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimen known.
- Wingspan estimates: Uncertain.
- Diet: Carnivore/fish-eater.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
In Depth
Eosipterus has enjoyed a variable position amongst the pterosaurs first being thought to be similar to Pterodactylus, then thought to have been a member of the filter feeding ctenochasmid pterosaurs, perhaps like Gnathosaurus, to ultimately being declared to be similar to Germanodactylus. The overall physiology of Eosipterus is quite robust, especially the wings. The interesting thing about Eosipterus is how the legs are proportionately smaller to other pterosaurs with a reduced fibula. The fifth toe is also only represented by a claw, with the claws on the other four toes being curved.
These adaptations may suggest that Eosipterus did not spend a lot of time on the ground, and may have been more at home amongst the trees. The curved claws could be used for gripping into bark, the legs not being used for ground locomotion became underdeveloped, and the wings being more robust would be better able to withstand brushes and scrapes with branches as Eosipterus flew amongst the trees.
Further Reading
Further reading- The first discovery of a pterosaur from western Liaoning Province (Eosipterus yangi gen. et sp. nov.). – Acta Geologica Sinica 71(1):1-6. – S.-A. Ji & Q. Ji – 1997.
