Anhanguera was a pterosaur which lived in Brazil during the middle Cretaceous Period 98-92 million years ago. Fossils have been found within the Romualdo Formation of Brazil’s Araripe Basin. Anhanguera is the namesake member of the pterosaur family Anhangueridae, which is divided into two sub-families named Anhanguerinae and Tropeognathinae. Pterosaurs from these groups often possessed crests on the ends of their jaws.
Two species of the genus Anhanguera are currently known: A. blittersdorfi and A. piscator. Several other species were previously ascribed to Anhanguera, but these have since been renamed to other genera. Although known from fragmentary remains, including at least three well-preserved skulls, Anhanguera is believed to have had a 15 foot wingspan.
Although largely known from South America, fragmentary fossils which might belong to Anhanguera or a close relative have also been found in the Kem Kem Beds of Morocco and the Elrhaz Formation of Niger. Further study will be needed to determine if they belong to either of the two known Anhanguera species, or if they belong to a new species, of if they belong to an entirely new genus.
Anhanguera blittersdorffi. © Jason R. Abdale (September 25, 2025).
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Categories: Paleontology, Uncategorized
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