Cearadactylus is a genus of large Early Cretaceous (Albian) pterosaurs from South America. The only known species is Cearadactylus atrox, described and named in 1985 by Giuseppe Leonardiand Guido Borgomanero. The name refers to the Brazilian state Ceará and combines this with Greek daktylos, "finger", a reference to the wing finger of pterosaurs. The Latin atrox means "frightful", a reference to the fearsome dentition of the species. Its best known pop culture appearance is in Michael Crichton's 1990 novel, Jurassic Park when it appeared in the aviary scene.
Appearances
Disney's DINOSAUR
This species of pterosaur (simply called a pterodactyl by the computer) appeared exclusively on this ride. After the computer warned that the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs will cause impact in 90 seconds (1 1/2 minutes) the time rover passed by 2 perched Cearadactylus chicks that flapped their wings and squawked at the passengers. After that, the computer identified a full grown adult (possibly the mother of the chicks) that screeches and swoops down towards the vehicle, which ducked down at the last second.