Epidexipteryx

Epidexipteryx hui

• China

Epidexipteryx small theropod dinosaurs is a genus from the Middle Jurassic or Upper Jurassic ( 167-151 million years ago ) of China.

It has been scientifically described only the type species E. hui. The genus name is from the Greek words epidexi " View " and pteryx - "wings ", " spring ". The specific epithet honors the Chinese paleontologist Yaoming hui Hu.

The fossil remains of the holotype were found in the Daohugou layers in Inner Mongolia and described scientifically in 2008. Kladistisch sister taxon of the type as in the Epidendrosaurus Scansoriopterygidae is provided at the base of Avialae.

Features

Epidexipteryx was about deaf tall with an estimated weight of 164 grams. The animal was feathered and carried four conspicuous elongated, ribbon-like feathers on the relatively short tail. It is believed that these springs a show function, possibly met during courtship. Contour feathers missing, so that Epidexipteryx certainly was not airworthy.

The enlarged front teeth in the skull showed high forward an unusual arrangement, which was otherwise found within the Theropoda only Masiakasaurus.

The type specimen is kept in the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the collection number IVPP V15471.