Vectiraptor

Vectiraptor is known from only a few back bones and a partial hip bone, found on a beach at Compton Bay.3

Its vertebrae had air pockets inside, like modern birds, making its skeleton lighter.2

Vectiraptor belonged to a group of large raptors called Eudromaeosauria, which includes the famous Velociraptor.2

The species name greeni honors Mick Green, who discovered the fossils in 2004 and carefully prepared them.1

Vectiraptor lived about 125 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period.5

Its tall neural spines on the back vertebrae had large scars where strong ligaments attached, helping support its body.3

Vectiraptor is similar to raptors from North America, suggesting dinosaurs could travel between Europe and America in the Early Cretaceous.2