The specific name referred to the toucan genus Ramphastos, in view of the large beak-like snout of the pterosaur.

[3] Although this was incorrect by modern standards, the new spelling has become valid by being accepted and used by subsequent authors, under article ICZN 33.3.1.

[4] The holotype, BSP AS.I.745, was probably found at Mörnsheim near Daiting in a layer of the Malm Zeta 3, dating from the Tithonian.

In 1871, Harry Govier Seeley included the specimen in the type material of Diopecephalus, without, however, designating it as the holotype of this genus.

The generic name combines a reference to the river Altmühl, running through Solnhofen, with a Latinised Greek pteron, "wing".