A new juvenile specimen of Anhangueridae (Pterodactyloidea, Ornithocheiriformes) from the Romualdo Formation (Aptian–Albian), Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Anhangueridae is the most common pterosaur group in the Araripe Basin, particularly in the Romualdo Formation. Here we describe a previously unreported specimen from the Museu de Ciências da Terra (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), MCT.R.1491, consisting of a partial lower jaw associated with appendicular elements. The specimen is preserved in a calcareous nodule from the Romualdo Formation (Aptian–Albian) of Northeastern Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis and detailed anatomical examination support referral of the specimen to Anhangueridae, with close morphological similarity to anhanguerine taxa such as Anhanguera and Brasileodactylus. The specimen represents a medium-sized (3.8–4.0 m wingspan) juvenile individual. A distinctive feature of MCT.R.1491 is the presence of two large distal foramina on the unguals, a condition previously seen only in the targaryendraconid Barbosania gracilirostris, the taxonomic and phylogenetic significance of which remains uncertain. Altogether, the combination of features seen in MCT.R.1491 helps to understand the anatomical record of Anhangueridae and underscores the importance of detailed descriptions of both cranial and postcranial material for refining taxonomic and morphological interpretations of Romualdo Formation anhanguerids.