#harenadraco

[si-nequal-is]

Natovenator polydontus and Harenadraco prima

[new-dinosaurs]

Harenadraco prima Lee et al., 2024 (new genus and species)

(Toe bones and schematic skeletal of Harenadraco prima, with preserved bones in white, from Lee et al., 2024)

Meaning of name: Harenadraco = sand dragon [in Latin]; prima = first [in Latin]

Age: Late Cretaceous (Campanian–Maastrichtian?)

Where found: Barun Goyot Formation, Ömnögovi, Mongolia

How much is known: Partial skeleton of one individual, primarily consisting of an incomplete left hindlimb.

Notes: Harenadraco was a troodontid, a group of relatively small, bird-like theropods. Its feet were exceptionally long and slender for its size, which may suggest that it was well adapted to fast running. It is the first troodontid to be named from the Barun Goyot Formation.

Reference: Lee, S., Y.-N. Lee, J.-Y. Park, S.-H. Kim, Z. Badamkhatan, D. Idersaikhan, and K. Tsogtbaatar. 2024. The first troodontid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Upper Cretaceous Baruungoyot Formation of Mongolia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2364746

[fishsfailureson]

Harenadraco, a Mongolian troodontid that was described in July. I used the paper's skeletal diagram as a reference.

[ildarotyrannus]

Harenadraco prima, a troodontid from the Late Cretaceous of the Baruungoyot formation (Nemegt Basin, Gobi Desert, Mongolia). It is described by a partial postcranial skeleton consisting of elements of the pelvis and hind legs. This is the first troodontid from the Baruungoyot formation. Before its discovery, troodontids were not known from there, which contrasted with the presence of this family in the other two (Nemegt and Djadochta) formations of the basin. Harenadraco is distinguished by a very thin tarsometatarsus (metatarsus), comparable only to Philovenator curriei among the cursorial troodontids. The generic name of the reptile means "sand dragon".

This drawing was supposed to be a quick sketch, but I couldn't resist making more elaborate textures. :) The decorative plumage on the head is speculative.

Black ballpoint pen, 2024.

[si-nequal-is]

Harenadraco prima and Hollanda luceria

[si-nequal-is]

Jaculinykus yaruui and Harenadraco prima

[si-nequal-is]

Harenadraco with other denizens of Barun goyot formation; the monstersaurian lizard Gobiderma and multituberculate mammal Catopsbaatar.