Re: Pycnofibre (pterosaur hair) query

["Mark Witton" <Mark.Witton@port.ac.uk>]

If rumours are to be believed, there is a Tupandactylus with a beard on the 
ventral side of the mandible. With a wingspan of 4 m or something, this is 
probably the largest known pterosaur taxon with pycnofribres preserved. I've 
not seen the specimen directly myself, so I can't vouch for the authenticity of 
these claims. It's potentially damn exciting, though, and nice vindication for 
anyone who's ever restored a pterosaur with adventurous facial hair. 

--

Dr. Mark Witton

Palaeobiology Research Group
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Portsmouth
Burnaby Building
Burnaby Road
Portsmouth
PO1 3QL

Tel: (44)2392 842418
E-mail: Mark.Witton@port.ac.uk

>>> David Peters <davidrpeters@charter.net> 27/09/2009 15:49 >>>
What is the largest specimen of pterosaur for which hair (pycnofibre)  
is known?

I'm wondering if such developments could have been restricted to small  
taxa?

David Peters
St. Louis