Eudimorphodon is a eudimorphodontid pterosaurian reptile from the Late Triassic of Italy. It was named in 1973 by Rocco Zambelli. It was another early pterosaur, and even had another defining trait that would carry on in pterosaur evolution for a long time.
Physiology[]
Eudimorphodon had a build true to its primitive origins, with 4 legs (2 of which served as wings), 4 fingers on each hand (one of which was elongated and supported the wing membrane), a small body, a long tail with a diamond-shaped vane on its end, and a long, conical head with large jaws. Most of its body (excluding its snout, wings, and vane) would have been covered in a fur-like covering called pycnofibers.
Diet[]
Eudimorphodon was a predator, preying on fish and small arthropods. Its jaws had 2 types of small, conical teeth, all of which were used for getting a hold of and making short work of struggling prey.
Ecology[]
Unlike its arboreal, land-hunting counterpart, Peteinosaurus, Eudimorphodon was an aerial hunter that hunted closer to the water. In order to catch fish, it would fly close to the surface of a large body of water before plucking a fish out of the water with its multi-toothed jaws. Many of its teeth had two points, which were perfect for snatching fish; as well as this, wear marks on its teeth meant that the eudimorphodontid was able to crush or chew its aquatic prey. These conditions also allowed for it to prey on hard-shelled arthropods.