Yuanmouraptor is a group of ancient dinosaurs known as theropods, which lived during the Middle Jurassic period. This dinosaur was discovered in China and is known from the Zhanghe Formation.
The name “Yuanmouraptor” translates to “Yuanmou County robber.” It is a unique genus with only one species named Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis. The fossils include a partial skull and several vertebrae.
**Discovery**
The first Yuanmouraptor fossil was found in March 2006 near Xiabanjing Village in Yuanmou County. It was found on a farm and consists of a mostly complete skull and some vertebrae. The name was first announced in a newsletter from the Hong Kong Science Museum in 2014. By 2025, researchers officially described the dinosaur and its fossils were on display in a museum.
**Description**
Yuanmouraptor was a medium-sized dinosaur. The preserved skull measures about 54 centimeters long, while the reconstructed skull is around 60 centimeters. Compared to other dinosaurs, it is smaller than Yangchuanosaurus, which is about 8 meters long.
The bones of Yuanmouraptor show unique features that help scientists understand its anatomy. These include distinct shapes in the skull bones and certain features in the vertebrae.
**Classification**
Before it was named, it was thought to belong to a family known as Metriacanthosauridae. Researchers found that Yuanmouraptor and another dinosaur, Xuanhanosaurus, are some of the earliest members of this family.
In simple terms, Yuanmouraptor gives us insights into the life of theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period. With its unique features and fossil discoveries, it helps scientists learn more about the evolution of these ancient creatures.