Thalassodromidae

Thalassodromids Temporal range: Early-Late Cretaceous, 112–88 Ma PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
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
†Banguela? †Kariridraco †Thalassodromeus †Tupuxuara
Synonyms
Thalassodrominae Kellner, 2007 Tupuxuaridae Martill, Bechly & Heads, 2007

Thalassodromidae (meaning "sea runners", due to previous misconceptions of skimming behavior; they are now thought to be terrestrial predators) is a group of azhdarchoid pterosaurs from the Cretaceous period. Its traditional members come from Brazil, which include the type genus Thalassodromeus, as well as Tupuxuara. Additionally, the recently named genus Kariridraco, also from Brazil, is another undisputed thalassodromid. Proposals of additional thalassodromid genera have proved more controversial.

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.