[N] 2007 Sinocalliopteryx gigas a giant compsognathid with long filamentous integuments
Ji, S. Ji, Q. Lu, J. and Yuan, C. (2007) A New Giant Compsognathid Dinosaur with Long Filamentous Integuments from Lower Cretaceous of Northeastern China. Acta Geologica Sinica Vol. 81 No. 1 pp. 8-15
Abstract: A new compsognathid dinosaur, Sinocalliopteryx gigas gen. et sp. nov., is erectred based on an complete skeleton from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, northeastern China.
It shares features with Huaxiagnathus orientalis in having a manus as long as the humerus plus radius, very large and subequally ling manual claws 1 end II, and reduced olecranon process on the ulna. But it differs from Huaxiagnathus orientalis in having the much larger size, a very long maxillary process of premaxilla not extending the vertical level of the maxillary antobital fossa and the proportionally longer ulne and so on.
Sinocalliopteryx gigas gen. et sp. nov., represents the largest species among the known compsognathid dinosaurs, suggesting the tendency of the body enlargement in compsognathids to some extent. The long filamentous integuments are attached to the whole body of the compsognathid, confirming that such integuments evolved firstly in the basal coelurosaurs. This new giant compsognathid was a fierce carnivorous theropod, as shown further by the incomplete leg inside its abdominal cavity.