Open Paleo

Similicaudipteryx

He et al., 2008 SIH-mih-li-cow-DIP-tuh-riks

From Latin 'similis' (similar, resembling) + the genus name Caudipteryx (itself from Latin 'cauda', tail, + Greek 'pteryx', feather/wing), meaning 'similar to Caudipteryx'.

121.4–113.2 million years ago Aptian, Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous stages

Similicaudipteryx, meaning "similar to Caudipteryx" (which itself means "tail feather"), is a genus of theropod dinosaur of the family Caudipteridae.

Diagnosis

  1. Dagger-like pygostyle with last two caudals co-ossified
  2. Shape of ilium most similar to caudipterids
  3. Ratio of pubis to ilium length is 1.46
  4. Two large and deep hypapophyses on first and second dorsal vertebrae
  5. Last five caudals co-ossified into pygostyle, unlike other caudipterids
  6. Pleurocoels on last cervical and all preserved dorsals

Species

Similicaudipteryx yixianensis He et al., 2008

Type species

Named for Yixian County in Liaoning Province, China, the area from which the holotype specimen was recovered.

Holotype
IVPP V12556 , Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology
Material
An incomplete individual with nearly complete hindlimbs and pelves
Horizon
Jiufotang Formation, Aptian, Early Cretaceous , 121.4–113.2 million years ago
Locality
Xierhuqiao, Liaoning, China

References

  1. He, T.; Wang, X. L.; Zhou, Z. H. (2008). A new genus and species of caudipterid dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of western Liaoning, China. Vertebrata PalAsiatica 46(3): 178-189. he2008a