Longisquama insignis

views updated May 29 2018

Longisquama insignis One of the first archosaurs (Archosauria) that is known to have been able to glide or parachute. Described from Soviet Kirgizstan in the 1970s, Longisquama is noted for the development of elongate paired scales along its back, the anterior (nuchal) ones resembling feathers. It is recorded from sediments of Triassic age.

Longisquama insignis

views updated May 08 2018

Longisquama insignis One of the first archosaurs known to have the ability to glide or parachute. Described from Soviet Kirgizstan in the 1970s, Longisquama is noted for the development of elongate paired scales along its back; its Latin name means ‘remarkable long scale’. It is recorded from sediments of Triassic age.