The Ancient Winged Reptile
Eudimorphodon was a small, early pterosaur that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 220 million years ago.
| Meaning | True dimorphic tooth [Eo–di–morph–odon] |
| Pronunciation | YOO-dy-MOR-foh-don |
| When: | Late Triassic (about 210 million years ago) |
| Where: | Europe (Italy) |
| What: | Pterosaur (early flying reptile) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 1 kg (2.2 pounds) |
| Length: | Wingspan approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (ate fish and insects) |
| Discovered: | First described by Rodolfo Pio Bonaparte in 1970 |
Discovered in Italy, Eudimorphodon is one of the oldest known pterosaurs and played a significant role in understanding the early evolution of flying reptiles.
Measuring about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in wingspan, Eudimorphodon had a streamlined body with hollow bones, making it lightweight and well-suited for flight.
It had a long tail and sharp teeth adapted for catching fish and other small prey.
Eudimorphodon likely spent much of its time soaring over coastal areas and hunting near the water’s edge.