Harenadraco

Harenadraco is the first troodontid dinosaur ever found in the Baruungoyot Formation. Other troodontids were known from nearby rock layers, but not this one.1

Its name means 'sand dragon' in Latin. It was named for the sandy desert where its bones were discovered.1

The only known skeleton of Harenadraco is a partial leg and hip. Scientists found pieces of the thigh bone, shin bone, foot bones, and part of the hip.1

Harenadraco lived about 83 to 72 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. That was the time of T. rex and Triceratops.2

The Baruungoyot Formation was a dry, sandy place with wind-blown dunes and occasional lakes. Harenadraco was built for running in this open landscape.1

Troodontids like Harenadraco had big brains for their size. They were among the smartest dinosaurs.1