What is maaradactylus?

Maaradactylus is a genus of pterosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 125 million years ago. It was a medium-sized pterosaur, with a wingspan of approximately 4-5 meters (13-16 feet).

Maaradactylus was characterized by its long, pointed jaws filled with sharp teeth, which it likely used to catch fish and other small prey. Its wings were robust and well-suited for gliding and powered flight.

Fossils of Maaradactylus have been found in what is now Lebanon, making it one of the few pterosaurs known from the Middle East. Its name, Maaradactylus, derives from the Arabic word "ma'ara", which means cavern, in reference to the cave where the first fossil specimen was discovered.

Maaradactylus is considered to be a close relative of other Cretaceous pterosaurs such as Pteranodon and Quetzalcoatlus. Its discovery has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of flying reptiles during the Mesozoic era.