Variraptor is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago, in what is now France.
The name “Variraptor” comes from Latin, where “Var” refers to the Var River in France, and “raptor” means “thief.” So, it can be translated to “Var thief.” The name honors two paleontologists, Patrick and Annie Méchin, who found the remains of this dinosaur between 1992 and 1995.
These remains were discovered in a place called the Grès à Reptiles Formation near Fox-Amphoux. Initially, they thought the bones belonged to another dinosaur called Elopteryx. However, further studies showed these bones were unique enough to represent a new species, which was officially named Variraptor mechinorum in 1998.
The dinosaur is classified as a member of the Dromaeosauridae family, which includes other well-known dinosaurs like Velociraptor. It is believed that Variraptor had some similarities in its bones to a dinosaur called Deinonychus.
Over time, some scientists have raised questions about whether Variraptor is a distinct dinosaur or just a mix of different parts from other species, which is why it has been called a “nomen dubium” meaning a name with uncertain validity.
Some researchers have suggested that more complete fossils are needed to confirm its identity as a true dromaeosaurid. Others propose that Variraptor could actually belong to a different group of dinosaurs altogether.
In recent studies, Variraptor’s position within the dinosaur family tree has been analyzed further, with some scientists finding it might be related to other specific groups of small dinosaurs.
In summary, Variraptor remains a somewhat mysterious dinosaur, as scientists continue to investigate its true place among the many types of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.