WIP : Epidexipteryx skull

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This recently described bizarre Jurassic maniraptoran from the Middle Jurassic China possesses a unique combination of characters. Although this reconstruction is limited to its skull (with unique and prominent dentition), its most obvious feature are its elongate ribbon-like feathers which were probably used for display.

It should be noted that this is a preliminary version which was finished in 2 hours. I will work on an update soon, but this will be uploaded on my website-in-progress ([link]). In all honesty: I couldn't wait to show it to everyone!

Scalebar equals 1 cm.

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Published: Oct 24, 2008

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EmperorDinobotOct 25, 2008

It's very similar to Incisivosaurus. And Caudipteryx, but...it also seems to be more primitive, doesn't it?

AfrovenatorOct 25, 2008

Yeah, but that is because of its elongated teeth and the curved mandible. These are probably rather similarities though, because there is currently no evidence of a phylogenetic relationship between these genera.

EmperorDinobotOct 25, 2008

But they're all caudipterygids?

AfrovenatorOct 25, 2008

I doubt it. Epidexipteryx is either more closely related to Scansoriopteryx/Epidendrosaurus or is the same as those genera, but we need more specimens to confirm this. This grouping is well supported by a number of synamorphies, but the most telling is the shape of the pelvis with mesopubic pubis and distinctly curved ischium. Caudipterygids are a more restricted group of animals more closely related to oviraptorids, but I agree, the similarity is uncanny.

EmperorDinobotOct 25, 2008

Which is why I said "Zomfg it's a Caudipterigid"...

But the long finger really sets it apart from the ovis. But...Gosh, it's a really weird animal.

(loves weird dinosaurs)