New Megaraptoran Dinosaur 'Joaquinraptor casali' Discovered in Argentina

Paleontologists in Argentina have identified a new species of megaraptoran dinosaur, named Joaquinraptor casali, from the Late Cretaceous period.

The fossil, unearthed in the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation of Patagonia, includes a well-preserved and partially articulated skeleton comprising much of the skull, forelimbs, hindlimbs, ribs, and vertebrae.

Estimated to have lived between 66 and 70 million years ago, Joaquinraptor casali measured approximately 23 feet in length and weighed around one ton.

Notably, a crocodile-relative bone was found in its jaws, suggesting it may have been feeding at the time of death.

This discovery offers valuable insights into the anatomy, evolution, and ecological role of megaraptorans, a group of large-clawed carnivorous theropods known from Cretaceous deposits in Asia, Australia, and South America.

The species was named by paleontologist Lucio Ibiricu in honor of his son, Joaquin.