New anatomical information of the wukongopterid Kunpengopterus sinensis Wang et al., 2010 based on a new specimen.

Xin Cheng,Shunxing Jiang,Xiaolin Wang,Alexander W.A Kellner

doi:10.7717/peerj.4102

Abstract

The Wukongopteridae compose a non-pterodactyloid clade of pterosaurs that are the most abundant flying reptiles in the deposits of the Middle-Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota. Until now, five species of three genera and two additional unnamed specimens have been described. Here we report on a new material, IVPP V 23674, that can be referred to the wukongopterid Kunpengopterus sinensis due to several features such as a comparably short nasoantorbital fenestra, the dorsally rising posterodorsal margin of the ischium, and the very short first pedal phalanx of digit V relative to metatarsal IV. IVPP V 23674 provides the first view of a wukongopterid palate, which differs from all other pterosaurs by having a very large postpalatine fenestra and laterally compressed choanae, indicating that the evolution of the pterosaur palate was more complex than previously thought. Sesamoid bones at the dorsal side of manual unguals are present and are reported for the first time in a wukongopterid suggesting an arboreal life-style for these pterosaurs.

Highlights

Pterosaurs are the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight
We report on a second specimen (IVPP V 23674) of Kunpengopterus sinensis that provides supplementary anatomical information for this genus, including details of the foot and caudal vertebrae, allowing us to revise the diagnosis of this species
Holotype IVPP V 16047, an almost complete skeleton with the complete skull and lower jaw housed at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Beijing, China

Summary

Introduction

Pterosaurs are the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. These flying reptiles developed a comparatively fragile skeleton that resulted in a generally limited preservation potential (e.g., Wellnhofer, 1991; Kellner, 1994). Six specimens of this non-pterodactyloid clade have been described and referred to three genera and five species (Wang et al, 2009; Wang et al, 2010; Lü et al, 2010; Lü et al, 2011a). There are several undescribed fossils scattered throughout many collections in China that most certainly belong to this clade

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