[D] Microraptor gui
Describer
Xu, Zhou, Wang, Kuang, Zhang and Du, 2003
Time
Cretaceous Early
Classification
Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Dromaeosauridae
Diet
Carnivore
Fossilsite
Yixian Formation [Jiufotang Formation], Dapingfang, Chaoyang County, (30 km west of Chaoyang City), Liaoning, China
Fall Under
Microraptor zhaoianus
Length
0,77 meter
Info
Microraptor zhaoianus (Xu, Zhou, Wang, 2000) > Microraptor gui (Xu, Zhou, Wang, Kuang, Zhang and Du, 2003) > Microraptor hanqingi (Gong, Martin, Burnham, Falk & Hou 2012)
Etymology
Specific name in honour of paleontologist Gu Zhiwei.
Material
Two almost complete skeletons; IVPP V13352 (holotype) and V13320 (referred sepcimen)
Diagnosis
Distinguishable from Microraptor zhaoianus in having prominent biceps tuberocity on radius, much shorter manual digit I, strongly curved pubis, and bowed tibia.
Discovered in 2001 and 2002 as a total of six individuals.
Holotype
IVPP V13352 andrefered specimen IVPP V13320 representing M. gui.
TNP00996, IVPP V13351 and IVPP V13320 as M. sp and IVPP V13477 as Dromaeosauridae gen. et sp. indet.
Description
Microraptor gui was a small dinosaur with a relatively short trunk legth (44-50% of hindlimb length), the tail had relatively few vertebrae (appr. 26) The sternum is a single flat and large bone, it differs from the condition in other dromeosaurids where two unfused sternal plates are present. The pes with the slender, strongly curved claws is similar to that of Microraptor zhaoianus. The pubis is strongly curved (120o) . Another distinctive feature of Microraptor gui is the bowed tibia whereas in most theropods, it is straight.
The integumentation of Microraptor gui is based on the holtype and refered specimen and displays two types plumulaceous and pennaceous feathers with a length of appr. 25 to 30 mm. In IVPP 13352 the skull feathers probaly used for display are up to 40 mm long and even longer in TNP00996. To the distal tail, forelimbs en hindlims show large pennaceous feathers are attached. The patterns of the wing feathers are similar to those of modern birds.
Specimen IVPP V13352 is studied carefully under a microscope and a CT scan was made also to test the authenticity of the specimens.