Dimorphodon was a pterosaur, a type of flying reptile. It was not a dinosaur, though it lived during the same period. Dimorphodon lived during the Early Jurassic and resided in Europe. The first Dimorphodon fossil was discovered in 1859.

The Dimorphodon was a pterosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period. With its disproportionately large head and tucan-like mouth lined with barbed teeth, the Dimorphodon is actually thought to have spent most of its time on the ground, using its folded wings as forelegs. As one might imagine from its ungainly body plan, it may have only been capable of short flights.

In art, the Dimorphodon is very often depicted in mid flight, since earlier conceptions of the creature’s behavior tended toward similarities with other pterosaurs.

Quick facts about Dimorphodon:

  • Existed from 201.3 million years ago to Pliensbachian Age
  • Lived in a marine environment
  • Was a piscivore
  • Could fly
  • 3 different specimens have been found by paleontologists

All the Dimorphodon illustrations below were collected from the internet. Enjoy and explore: