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This is a cast resin replica of a skull from the Cretaceous Pterosaur, Anhanguera blittersdorffi. The skull is 22" long and around 5" tall at its tallest point.
This solid resin cast replica represents the skull morphology of the mid- sized Cretaceous Pterosaur from the Santana formation of Brazil. Age of original fossil is Aptian- Albian (113- 100 MYA).
Holotype specimen number is MN-4805-V housed in the collections of the Museu Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fossils of this animal have been discovered in the early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation of Brazil as well as the late Cretaceous Kem Kem group of South Africa, suggesting the temporal range of this animal to be from approximately 125-93 Mya.
Anhanguera was a piscivore (ate primarily fish ) with a bite force of around 25 Newtons. By comparison a domestic cat has a bite force of approximately 73 Newtons.
Pterosaurs were very well adapted for flight, perhaps even moreso than birds in some respects. These animals soared through the Mesozoic air on membranous wings supported by an enlongated 4th finger. These wings were thin but incredibly strong, reinforced by a cross-crossing pattern of tissue fibers that would have prevented the membrane from tearing even under extreme conditions. Pterosaurs had bones that pound for pound were lighter and stronger than birds of similar size.
Pterosaurs lacked the ability to move on land well, with their limbs projecting out at odd angles, which would have forced them to move clumsily on all fours, making them easy prey when grounded due to an injured wing or illness.
My cast replicas are created from natural fossils using an eco friendly plant based mold making material that is reusable. Made to order so items may differ from the image of the listing.
Items are hand painted where appropriate and sealed with a clear coat finish. This adds to the texture in addition to preserving the paint job, for example the shiny enamel of a megalodon tooth cast is achieved this way. However, it may be accompanied with a paint thinner like smell. I've only had this complained about once, but if this is the case please wash item with soap and water and allow to sit outside for the smell to subside.
These replicas are much more durable than a standard museum display piece and can withstand abuse, making them ideal for children or for a variety of uses. For example, during a demonstration I threw an allosaurus claw against a concrete floor and the thing just bounced off, sustaining no noticeable damage. Colors may vary depending on availability of coloring agents.
If item is defective please let me know and we will make it right by issuing a refund or sending a replacement.
