Dendrorhynchoides

Dendrorhynchoides is a genus of extinct basal pterosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now China. It is known from a single fossil specimen, which has been assigned to the species Dendrorhynchoides curvidentatus. This small pterosaur is notable for its unusual dentition, characterized by long, curved teeth. The name Dendrorhynchoides itself means "tree snout," a reference to its likely arboreal or semi-arboreal lifestyle and its elongated snout.

The fossil remains of Dendrorhynchoides suggest it was a relatively small flying reptile, with an estimated wingspan of around 0.5 to 1 meter. Its skeletal structure indicates adaptations for flight, though its exact flight capabilities are debated among paleontologists. The curved teeth are thought to have been useful for grasping small prey, possibly insects or small vertebrates. Its discovery has contributed to our understanding of the early evolution and diversity of pterosaurs during the Mesozoic Era. While its precise phylogenetic placement is still subject to ongoing research, Dendrorhynchoides is considered a significant find in the study of early pterosaur radiation.