The holotype specimen of "Q. northropi" has yet to be properly described and diagnosed, and the current status of the genus "Quetzalcoatlus" has been identified as problematic. Mark Witton and colleagues (2010) noted that the type species of the genus—the fragmentary wing bones comprising "Q. northropi"—represent elements which are typically considered undiagnostic to generic or specific level, and that this complicates interpretations of azhdarchid taxonomy. For instance, Witton "et al." (2010) suggested that the "Q. northropi" type material is of generalized enough morphology to be near identical to that of other giant azhdarchids, such as the overlapping elements of the contemporary Romanian giant azhdarchid" Hatzegopteryx". This being the case, and assuming "Q. northropi" can be distinguished from other pterosaurs (i.e., if it is not a "nomen dubium"), perhaps "Hatzegopteryx" should be regarded as a European occurrence of "Quetzalcoatlus". However, Witton "et al." also noted that the skull material of "Hatzegopteryx" and "Q." sp. differ enough that they cannot be regarded as the same animal, but that the significance of this cannot be ascertained given uncertainty over the relationships of "Quetzalcoatlus" specimens. These issues can only be resolved by "Q. northropi" being demonstrated as a valid taxon and its relationships with "Q". sp. being investigated. An additional complication to these discussions are the likelihood that huge pterosaurs such as "Q. northropi" could have made long, transcontinental flights, suggesting that locations as disparate as North America and Europe could have shared giant azhdarchid species.