Thalassodromidae

Thalassodromids
Temporal range:
Replica skeleton of Tupuxuara leonardii
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Pterosauria
Suborder: Pterodactyloidea
Clade: Azhdarchoidea
Family: Thalassodromidae
Witton, 2009
Type species
Thalassodromeus sethi
Kellner & Campos, 2002
Genera
Synonyms
  • Thalassodrominae
    Kellner, 2007
  • Tupuxuaridae
    Martill, Bechly & Heads, 2007

Thalassodromidae (meaning "sea runners") is a group of azhdarchoid pterosaurs from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) of Brazil. All known definitive members come from the Romualdo Formation of Brazil, which include the type genus Thalassodromeus, as well as Tupuxuara and Kariridraco. Proposals of additional thalassodromid genera from the Late Cretaceous are controversial and have not been supported.

The classification of Thalassodromidae is quite controversial and disputed. It was initially denominated Thalassodrominae, as a subfamily within the group Tapejaridae. However, opposing studies regarding its placement have argued that its members were more closely related to azhdarchids and dsungaripterids, while also elevating it to family level. Though the relationship with tapejarids remains supported by many studies, it has been proposed that it is preferable to retain them as a distinct family for consistency of communication.