Peteinosaurus

Name: Peteinosaurus (Winged lizard).
Phonetic: Peh-tain-oh-sore-us.
Named By: Rupert Wild - 1978.
Classification: Chordata, Reptilia, Pterosauria, Dimorphodontidae.
Species: P. zambelli (type).
Type: Presumed insectivore.
Size: 60 centimetre wingspan.
Known locations: Italy, Cene.
Time period: Norian of the Triassic.
Fossil representation: 3 specimens of sub adults. No skulls.

       Although easily one of the oldest known pterosaurs, Peteinosaurus has not been well preserved. Still, Peteinosaurus does display features that are similar to Preondactylus, to the extent that the suggestion has been put forward that the two genera are actually one and the same genus, just at different life stages. If this is ever confirmed then Preondactylus will be absorbed into Peteinosaurus as a junior synonym.
       Still, Peteinosaurus has possibly the shortest wings of any pterosaur that appear to be only twice as long as the hind legs. The teeth of Peteinosaurus are small and conical and its presumed that Peteinosaurus would have hunted for insects.

Further reading
- Die Flugsaurier (Reptilia, Pterosauria) aus der Oberen Trias von Cene bei Bergamo, Italien. - Bolletino della Societa Paleontologia Italiana 17:176-257. - R. Wild - 1978.

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