Named By: | Douglas A. Lawson in 1975 |
Time Period: | Late Cretaceous, Upper Maastrichtian, 68 Ma |
Location: | U.S.A., Texas, Javelina Formation, Big Bend National Park |
Size: | Estimated about 10-11 meter wingspan |
Diet: | unavailable |
Fossil(s): | Two specimens, one considerably smaller |
Classification: | | Chordata | Vertebrata | Tetrapoda | Amniota | Reptilia | Diapsida | Archosauria | Avemetatarsalia | Pterosauria | Pterodactyloidia | Azhdarchidae | |
Quetzalcoatlus northropi is an azhdarchid pterosaur known from the Late Cretaceous of North America (Maastrichtian stage) and one of the largest known flying animals of all time. It is a member of the family Azhdarchidae, a family of advanced toothless pterosaurs with unusually long, stiffened necks. Its name comes from the Mesoamerican feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl.