In a festive twist this Christmas, paleontologists from the University of Leicester have uncovered nearly 50 new relatives of the iconic Pterodactylus, a 150-million-year-old pterosaur, offering unprecedented insights into its life history.
Using UV light to reveal previously hidden details, this breakthrough study has reshaped our understanding of the pterosaur family tree, providing a comprehensive look at these ancient creatures from their hatchling stages to full-grown adults.
A Christmas Discovery with Ancient Roots
Christmas is often a time for family reunions, and this holiday season brings a reunion like no other—spanning 150 million years. The University of Leicester’s paleontologists have identified nearly 50 previously unrecognized relatives of Pterodactylus, the first pterosaur ever discovered.
This revolutionary study not only expands the Pterodactylus family tree but also offers new perspectives on its life cycle, from tiny hatchlings to fully grown adults.
The Legacy of Pterodactylus
The story of Pterodactylus begins nearly 250 years ago when its fossil was first discovered in a Bavarian quarry. The 150-million-year-old specimen opened the door to the world of flying reptiles, which dominated the skies during the Mesozoic Era. Despite its modest size—comparable to a turtle dove—the discovery sparked centuries of study into these fascinating creatures that once soared above dinosaurs.
Clarifying the Species Mystery
While Pterodactylus is often overshadowed by larger, more dramatic pterosaurs like Pteranodon, it has remained a significant subject of scientific study. For years, researchers have debated which fossils truly belong to Pterodactylus and which are from different species. Thanks to a new study that analyzed numerous Pterodactylus specimens from global museum collections, this long-standing mystery has finally been resolved.
The Role of UV Light in Revealing Secrets
University of Leicester paleontologists Robert Smyth and Dr. Dave Unwin utilized UV torches to illuminate tiny, previously invisible features on fossil bones, distinguishing different pterosaur species. By focusing on the unique characteristics of Pterodactylus, they uncovered dozens of additional specimens that had previously been misidentified.
Smyth, the study’s lead author, explained, “UV-stimulated fluorescence reveals astonishing details that were once hidden. Features now glow in plain sight, providing a wealth of new information.”
Reconstructing the Pterodactylus Family
With the discovery of nearly 50 new Pterodactylus specimens, our understanding of this key pterosaur has expanded dramatically. Co-author Dr. David Unwin noted, “We can now piece together a complete and highly detailed skeletal anatomy of Pterodactylus, including head crests, body shape, foot webs, and wings.”
The result is a comprehensive family portrait of Pterodactylus, offering a unique glimpse into its life history, from robin-sized hatchlings—affectionately known as "flaplings"—to the raven-sized adults with impressive wingspans.
Dr. Unwin concluded, “This technique, combined with new high-quality light sources, has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of pterosaurs.”
