Pterodactyl Tooth

Pterodactyl (“Winged finger”)
Late Jurassic
150 - 148 million years ago 

Size: 1 metre wingspan
Range: Western Europe and Northern Africa
Habitat: Coastal habitat and around large bodies of water
Diet: Carnivorous

Pterodactylus is a member of a larger group of flying reptiles called Pterosaurs. The word pterodactyl is sometimes used to refer to all pterosaurs, but there is actually only one recorded species within the Pterodactylus genus - Pterodactylus antiquus. This species is a relatively small pterosaur, with a wingspan of just over a metre. The largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus northropi, had a wingspan of 13 metres! 

Pterodactylus were capable of flapping flight, like modern birds, in contrast to earlier flying reptiles who were only capable of gliding. Pterodactylus had a crest on the top of its head formed from flesh supported by two bones, which is believed to have grown as the pterodactyl aged. Scientists are still debating on its function. It may have been used as a form of species identification, or played a role in sexual selection, heat regulation, or even as a rudder in flight.

Quick Fact: For many years after the first fossilised skull was discovered, it was believed that pterodactylus was an aquatic creature. It was over 50 years before scientists discovered that the “flippers” were actually wings.

This Pterodactyl Tooth (74 Million Years Old) has been mounted in a museum quality bell jar by a member of our in-house team.

Base: Solid wood hand finished in our studio

Mount: Stainless Steel

Dome: Handblown 2mm tempered glass

Dimensions: 10x10cm

The picture shown is an example of the quality that you can expect to receive. Please be aware that, as these are natural products, they are subject to some variation. While no two insects are exactly alike, each of the specimens in our collection fall within the morphological perimeters for their species.

Given the natural origin of our products, and that each piece is uniquely crafted to showcase each specimen at its best, the bell jar you receive may be slightly different in size than the one pictured.

We work closely with reputable suppliers all over the world to source high quality, genuine specimens. Each fossil comes with a certificate of authenticity documenting the provenance of each specimen, including the age and location where it was discovered.