[D] Shenzhousaurus orientalis [Su] [sG] [T]
Describer
Ji Q., Norell, Makovicky, Gao, Ji Shuan & Yuan, 2003
Time
Cretaceous Early
Classification
Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Ornithomimosauria
Diet
Omnivore
Fossilsite
Yixian Formation, Sihetun fossil site, Beipiao, Western Liaoning, China
Info
Genus - Typespecies - Skull
S. orientalis, Type specimen: NGMC (National Geological Museum of China) 97-4-002.
Etymology
Shenzhou is the ancient name of China; orientalis refers to the east. Material: A partial skeleton preserved on a sandstone block in a death pose with its head above the torso. The distal hindlimbs, distal tail, and the forelimbs (except for part of the right hand) and the pectoral girdle are missing. The head is crushed, exposing the left side obliquely.
An ornithomimosaur distinguishable from all others except Harpymimus in having teeth restricted to the anterior sentarys... primitive characters not found in advanced ornithomimosaurs, like a straight ischium and a postacetabular process that is gently curved rather than truncated... distinguishable from Pelecanimimus by the tooth distribution pattern and the primitive configuration of the hand where digit I is shorter than digits II and III.
Skull length: 185 mm
Sacrum length 140 mm
Ilium length: 153 mm
Ischium length: 169 mm
Femut length: 191 mm
Pubic boot length: 62 mm