Ctenochasmatid pterosaurs from Early Cretaceous deposits in Chile

Fragmentary pterosaur remains from the Early Cretaceous Quebrada Monardes Formation of northern Chile are assigned to Ctenochasmatidae. Although not immediately referable to recognised genera, they differ from other South American occurrences of ctenochasmids and appear to share features of the dentition with Ctenochasma and Gnathosaurus from Late Jurassic deposits in Europe. A slightly spatulate rostrum may hint at affinities with the gnathosaurine ctenochasmatid Gnathosaurus. The presence of a possible gnathosaurine in South America is further evidence for a Hispanic corridor allowing faunal interchange between South America and Eurasia during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.