Sericipterus

Sericipterus had three bony crests on its head: one on the snout, one on top of the skull, and a short crest at the front of the skull.1

It was one of the largest non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs, meaning it belonged to an early group of pterosaurs that did not have the short tails and long heads of later forms.2

The name Sericipterus comes from the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that passed through the region where it was found.1

Its teeth were curved, sharply pointed, and had two keels (sharp edges) for cutting, like steak knives.1

The holotype specimen (IVPP V14725) includes a disarticulated skull, partial lower jaw, many teeth, parts of the spine, wing bones, and other fragments.2

Sericipterus lived in a terrestrial (land) environment, unlike many pterosaurs that lived near the sea.2