Huaxiagnathus

Huaxiagnathus belonged to a group of small, quick dinosaurs called compsognathids. It was one of the largest compsognathids ever found.1

Scientists think Huaxiagnathus might actually be a young version of the bigger tyrannosauroid Sinotyrannus. If so, Huaxiagnathus would be the correct name because it was named first.2

The holotype skeleton is almost complete, missing only the tip of the tail. It is preserved on five large stone slabs.21

Huaxiagnathus lived about 125 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period.23

Like all compsognathids, Huaxiagnathus had short forelimbs and a fairly simple body plan for a coelurosaur.1

Two specimens of Huaxiagnathus are known, both immature individuals. The larger one was damaged during preparation and could not be used as the main example.2