Melkamter (meaning winged lizard) is an extinct genus of monofenestratan pterosaur from Early Jurassic of Argentina. The type species is Melkamter pateko.
Discovery and Naming[]
The holotype (MPEF-PV 11530) was discovered in sediments of Canadon Asfalto Formation in Chubut Province, Argentina. In 2024, it was described as a new genus by Fernandes, Pol & Rauhut. The generic name combines Tehuelche word "Mel" and"Kamter", while the specific name combines the Tehuelche words "pate" and "ko".
Description[]
The skull of Melkamter is 131.3 millimetres (5.17 in) long. It is from a partial skull and fragmentary postcranium. It represents the oldest known monofenestratan pterosaur in the fossil record.
Classification[]
It is classified as a member of Monofenestrata.
Gallery[]
Melkamter by Pedro Andrade