Rhamphorhynchus (Safari)

Rhamphorhynchus was a pterosaur—a flying reptile—that lived about 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic Period in what is now Europe. Although it may resemble bats or birds in some ways, it was not related to either group. With its long, toothy snout and extended tail, Rhamphorhynchus is one of the easiest pterosaurs to recognize. Some of the most detailed fossils of this species come from Solnhofen, Bavaria, where limestone preserved even the finest details of ancient life.

The first Rhamphorhynchus fossil was uncovered in 1825 and initially mistaken for an ancient bird. But closer study revealed teeth, much like those of Pterodactylus, the first recognized pterosaur. Unlike Pterodactylus, however, Rhamphorhynchus possessed a very long tail, setting it apart as a distinct genus. Its name, Rhamphorhynchus, means “beak-snout.”

Scientific Name: Rhamphorhynchus

This Jurassic flier was a capable fish-hunter, using its elongated jaws filled with needle-like teeth to snatch prey. Unlike some pterosaurs, it lacked a bony crest on its skull. Its long, stiffened tail ended in a distinctive diamond-shaped vane, which likely acted like a rudder for maneuverability in flight. Adults could reach wingspans of nearly six feet, while some hatchlings were as small as one foot across. The Safari Ltd Rhamphorhynchus toy highlights its key traits—from the sharp beak to the tail vane.

This Rhamphorhynchus model is 7 inches long with an 8-inch wingspan.

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