Kepodactylus

Name: Kepodactylus (Garden finger).
Phonetic: Ke-po-dak-ty-lus.
Named By: Jerald Harris and Kenneth Carpenter - 1996.
Classification: Chordata, Reptilia, Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea.
Species: K. insperatus (type).
Type: Uncertain.
Size: Estimated 2.5 meter wingspan.
Known locations: USA, Colorado - Morrison Formation.
Time period: Kimmeridgian to Tithonian of the Jurassic.
Fossil representation: Single specimen of partial post cranial remains including vertebra, humerus, metatarsal and finger bones.

       The discovery of the pterosaur Kepodactylus was actually a by-product of the recovery of a Stegosaurus in Garden Park, Colorado. This is how Kepodactylus got a name meaning 'garden finger'. The species name insperatus is referenced to the discovery of Kepodactylus being a pleasant surprise to the dig team.

Further reading
- A large pterodactyloid from the Morrison Formation (Late Jurassic) of Garden Park, Colorado. - Neues Jahrbuch f�r Geologie und Pal�ontologie Monatshefte 1996(8):473-484. - J. D. Harrris & K. Carpenter - 1996.

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