Describer

Nessov & Borkin, 1983

Time

Cretaceous Early Albian

Classification

Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Maniraptora Avialae Ornithothoraces Ornithurae

Fossilsite

Lower Khodzhakul\\\' Formation, Outcrop CX-20, Karakalpakia, Qoraqalpoghistan Respubliasi, Uzbekistan

Info

Tarsometatarsus

Holotype

PO 3390, proximal end of a left tarsometatarsus.

Medial cotyla of the tarsometatarsus inclined dorsally and located markedly more proximal than the lateral cotyla; intercotylar prominence low; dorsal infracotylar fossa deep and elongate; dorsomedial margin sharpened; tuberosity for insertion of M. tibialais cranialis short, high, and located in the proximal region of the fossa; the large vascular foramen on the lateral side and the impression for the ligamental attachement on the medial side are almost symmetrical with respect to the tuberosity; retinacula attachment mentioned above, close to the dorsomedial margin; plantar crst relatively weak (Nessov & Burkin, 1983).

Relationships to any extant birds are difficult to establish because of the fragmentary condition of the material. However H.eocretacea provides good evidence of the existence of neognathous birds in the latest Early Cretacous