Cf Sciroccopteryx moroccensis
Class Sauropsida, Order Pterosauria, Family AnhangueridaeGeological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Albian Stage
Sizes (25.4mm=1 inch): Fossil is 103 mm length, 10 mm base width
Fossil Site: Kem-Kem Basin, South of Taouz, Morocco
Fossil Code: 19059
Price: Sold
 Description:
This is a fine example of the distal phalanx of the fourth digit of
the pterosaur currently known as Sciroccopteryx moroccensis coming
from the Middle Cretaceous Albian Stage deposits of the Kem-Kem Basin,
Morocco. This is the first pterosaur to be described from Morocco
(1999 by Bryn J.  Mader,
who described the first ever pterosaur from Africa). The remains are
spotty, consisting mostly of teeth, jaw and arm fragments, but some
think this flying reptile had 6 m wingspan. Its closest relatives
were found in Cretaceous deposits in Brazil. Notice the proximal edge
which shows how this phalanx articulated with the next. Pterosaur
means wing finger, an appropriate name since it is the fourth finger
that serves as the attachment for the wing itself. Missing only the
distal few millimeters this is a fine example, the FIRST I have been
able to offer in nearly 20 years. |
