[D] Similicaudipteryx yixianensis [sG] [T]
Describer
He, Wang & Zhou 2008
Time
Cretaceous Early Aptian
Classification
Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Maniraptora Caudipteridae
Diet
Carnivore
Fossilsite
Jiufotang Formation, Jehol group, Xierhuqiao, Qianyang, Yixian County, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China
Info
Abstract
A new oviraptorosaur Similicaudipteryx yixianensis gen. et. sp. nov. is described from the Jiufotang Formation (120 Ma) of the Jehol Group in western Liaonong, China, which is referred to the Caudipteridae based on an dagger-like pygostyle and the shape of the ilium that are most similar to those of Caudipteryx. It differs from other oviraptorosaurids in that the ratio of pubis to ilium length is 1.46 and the presence of two large and deep hypapophyses on dorsal vertebrae.
The known caudipterids have previously been found only from the Jianshangou Member of the Yixian Formation (125 Ma) of the Sihetun area in Liaoning Province. S. yixianensis represents the first caudipterid dinosaur from the Jiufotang Formation. The new discovery provides more information for the discussion of the evolution of oviraptorids during the Early Cretaceous and adds to the dinosaur assemblage of the Jehol Biota.
Holotype
IVPP V 12556 An incomplete individual with nearly complete hindlimbs and pelvis.
Etymology
The generic name refers to its similarity to Caudipteryx; the specific name refers to the fossil locality, Yixian of Liaoning Province.
Diagnosis
An oviraptorosaur displaying the following characters: a dagger-like pygostyle; the shape of the ilium is most similar to the caudipterids and different from other oviraptorosaurids; the ratio of pubis to ilium length is 1.46; two large and deep hypapophyses on dorsal vertrebrae.