Neha Patil (Editor)

Lonchodectidae

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Suborder
  
†Pterodactyloidea

Phylum
  
Chordata

Order
  
Pterosaurs

Class
  
Reptilia

Clade
  
†Azhdarchoidea

Rank
  
Family

Lonchodectidae

Similar
  
Pterosaurs, Dsungaripteroidea, Istiodactylidae, Ctenochasmatoidea, Ornithocheiroidea

Lonchodectidae is a group of pterosaurs within the suborder Pterodactyloidea. It is likely a member of the group Azhdarchoidea, though some researchers have suggested that it belongs to the Ornithocheiroidea. They are notable for their high, conical tooth sockets.

Lifestyle

Both Lonchodectes and the unnamed "Chang'e" specimen showcase that lonchodectids had limb proportions similar to those of azhdarchoids and were probably terrestrial stalkers. They have rather specialised dentitions, however, and Prejanopterus possesses a curved upper jaw that might imply a more specialised lifestyle.

References

Lonchodectidae Wikipedia