Vectiraptor is a fascinating dinosaur that lived in the Early Cretaceous period, around 125 million years ago. Its name means “Isle of Wight thief,” and it was found in England, specifically in the Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight.
The first discovery of Vectiraptor happened in 2004 when an amateur paleontologist named Mick Green found some important bones near the cliffs of Compton Bay. The main bones discovered were two dorsal vertebrae, which are parts of the spine. Later on, a partial sacrum, which connects the spine to the pelvis, was also found nearby by another paleontologist named Nick Chase. All these finds were close together, suggesting they belonged to the same dinosaur.
Vectiraptor greeni is the official species name, named in honor of Mick Green. The dinosaur was estimated to be about 2.5 to 3 meters long, which is about the size of a small car or a large dog.
The bones showed some special features that only belong to a group of dinosaurs called Dromaeosauridae, which are often recognized by their unique body shapes. Vectiraptor had short and strong vertebrae and tall neural spines, which are bony structures on the back.
Interestingly, its bones had air-filled spaces, which could have helped with their breathing, much like modern birds. The bones also displayed some characteristics that suggest Vectiraptor was closely related to other dinosaurs found in North America, indicating there may have been some exchange of dinosaur species between Europe and North America during that time.
Overall, Vectiraptor greeni adds an exciting chapter to our understanding of dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous period, showcasing the diversity of life on Earth millions of years ago.