Archaeopteryx lithographica

†Archaeopteryx lithographica is the type species of the iconic proto-bird from the Late Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone, Bavaria, Germany. About 50cm in length and weighing roughly 300g, this insectivore combined asymmetric flight feathers with toothed jaws, three-fingered clawed hands, and a long bony tail. First described in 1861, it remains one of the most important fossils in the history of science.

Diet & Feeding

Insectivore

Archaeopteryx lithographica primarily fed on insects and other small invertebrates. Insectivorous dinosaurs were typically small-bodied and agile, with adaptations suited for catching small prey.

Time Period

Jurassic Late Mesozoic Era

Archaeopteryx lithographica lived during the Jurassic Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 161.5 to 145.0 million years ago.

One of the most iconic periods for dinosaurs. Giant sauropods like Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus roamed alongside predators like Allosaurus. Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird, appeared. The Morrison Formation preserves an extraordinary fossil record from this time.