Anhanguera

Name meaning:

Ancient spirit-protector of animals

Period of life:

112-93 mya

Period:

Cretaceous period

Habitat:

Coasts

Taxonomy:

Pterosaurs

Countries:

Cretaceous period Anhanguera | 3D Dinopedia

Oviraptor

Utahraptor

Anhanguera ()

From the Tupi language, it means «ancient protective spirit of animals».

Anhanguera was one of the most striking pterosaurs of the Cretaceous skies. This large predator fed mainly on fish, skillfully snatching prey directly from the water. Its wingspan reached about 4.5 meters — comparable to that of a modern albatross.

The appearance of Anhanguera was truly unusual. At the front of both the upper and lower jaws it bore rounded bony crests. The jaws were lined with numerous teeth — conical, slightly compressed, and gently curved — perfectly suited for gripping slippery fish. At the tip of the snout there was also a spoon-shaped expansion, giving the head a distinctive shovel-like profile that is easily recognizable in fossil skulls.

In 2003, researchers examined the structure of Anhanguera’s inner ear and reached an interesting conclusion: this pterosaur likely held its head at an angle relative to the ground. This inference was based on the anatomy of its vestibular system — the balance and spatial orientation apparatus.

In addition, Anhanguera possessed specialized bony rings within the eye sockets, known as scleral rings. These helped the eyes maintain their shape and provided protection during flight, especially when the pterosaur plunged toward the water in pursuit of prey. Altogether, these features made Anhanguera not only an impressive flier, but also a highly adapted hunter of the air–water interface.

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