Pantydraco caducus

At first glance, you might think Pantydraco caducus’ scientific name is making some sort of reference to a “pants dragon”, but you’ll be reassured to know that it is actually named after Panty-y-ffynnon, the Welsh quarry in which it was discovered.

Pantydraco is a very early representative of the sauropodomorph lineage, from the Late Triassic. Unlike the exclusively herbivorous giant sauropods of the Jurassic, this little guy is believed to have been omnivorous, with sharp claws to grasp hold of prey. Much like Panphagia and Saturnalia, it is considered a basal (‘less-evolved’) sauropodomorph.

The only discovered specimen was a juvenile, and originally assigned to the genus Thecodontosaurus when described in 2003. Four years later, however, further research showed that Pantydraco belonged in its own genus. Despite being a sauropodomorph (think Diplodocus, Brontosaurus etc), fully grown adults have been estimated to reach no more than 3 metres in length, and only 50kg in weight. Clearly, an evolutionary growth spurt was on the cards.

EXCITING FACT: The species name, caducus, refers to the fact that the specimen discovered in 1984 appeared to have fallen to its death through a hole in the ground. Brutal.

FURTHER READING: If you’re particularly interested in the earliest stages of the evolution of the long-necked sauropodomorpha, then have a look at this excellent research paper from 2006. Pantydraco is still referred to as T. caducus, but there is a massive spoiler of sorts on page 77, suggesting it may need to be reassigned.