Dimorphodon Information

Dimorphodon, an early pterosaur from the Early Jurassic Period (200-176 million years ago), was among the first flying reptiles. With a body length of about 1 metre (3.3 feet) and a wingspan of around 1.7 metres, it was a relatively small yet fascinating creature.

Its head, though lightly built, was large and deep, featuring several wide openings and large eyes. The jaws housed a mix of large, pointed teeth at the front and smaller teeth at the back. Dimorphodon’s limbs were well-developed, likely enabling it to walk on two legs like its dinosaur relatives.

The wings of Dimorphodon consisted of thin membranes of skin, extending from the elongated fourth finger to the hips or hind limbs. On the ground, these wings would fold much like those of modern birds and bats. Its first three fingers were equipped with large claws, probably used for grasping.
Dimorphodon’s long tail likely aided in flight stability, while a large breastbone and a prominent crest on the humerus served as attachment points for powerful flight muscles. This structure allowed Dimorphodon to excel at flapping flight, similar to smaller pterosaurs.

In 1828, Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil collector, made a remarkable discovery in the coastal cliffs of Lyme Regis. She uncovered a peculiar jumble of bones, featuring a long tail and wings. This find quickly garnered attention from scientists across Europe, who speculated about this ‘unknown species of that most rare and curious of all reptiles.’

Mary’s discovery turned out to be the first remains attributed to Dimorphodon, marking the first pterosaur ever discovered outside of Germany.