This splendid fossil of a complete pterosaur was found in Germany in 1880. It is now in the Yale Museum, New Haven, U.S.A. This type of pterosaur is a long tailed species (Rhamphorhynchoid) and there are about 40 specimens of this species alone.
The fine preservation shows the wing membrane (patagium) and its structure can be studied to see how it was formed. Such fine fossils are unusual and a lot can be discovered when one is found.
In 1882 this specimen was called Pterodactylus phyllurus, but as more pterosaurs were found it was re-names as a different genus (Rhamphorhynchoidea) and species (Rhamphorhynchus). Casts of this important fossil can be found in many museums around the world.
Rhamphorhynchus muensteri
The image on this page may be used for school projects and assignments. The image is free of copyright restrictions. If the image is to be used on a website, a link to the pterosaur database would be appreciated.