A new edentulous pterosaur from the Cretaceous Kem Kem beds of south eastern Morocco

David M. Martill, David M. Unwin, Nizar Ibrahim, Nick Longrich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

A new genus and species, Xericeps curvirostris gen. et sp. nov., is erected for a highly distinctive pterosaur mandible from the mid-Cretaceous (?Albian to lower Cenomanian) Kem Kem beds of south east Morocco. The new taxon is referred to Azhdarchoidea based on the absence of teeth, slenderness of its mandible with sulcate occlusal surface, presence on the posterior section of the mandibular symphysis of short paired ridges bounding a central groove, and the presence of elongate foramina on its occlusal and lateral surfaces. A slight dorsal curvature determines it as a distinct genus of azhdarchoid, as does an autapomorphy: the presence of a continuous longitudinal groove on the ventral midline of the mandibular symphysis. The new species brings to three the number of named pterosaurs from the Kem Kem beds and together with an unnamed tapejarid, points to a relatively diverse pterosaur assemblage in these deposits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalCretaceous Research
Volume84
Early online date14 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • Azhdarchoidea
  • Cretaceous
  • Kem Kem beds
  • Morocco
  • Pterosauria

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Palaeontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A new edentulous pterosaur from the Cretaceous Kem Kem beds of south eastern Morocco'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this