In Depth
Although only named from the description of hind legs, Alnashetri has been identified as an alvaresauroid. These small theropods are noted for having short stubby arms with single claws pointing out, which may helped them to feed upon certain types of prey like insects. This remains unknown for certain with Alnashetri since at the time of its description these parts have still not been found, but in life the genus is still expected to have this specialised limb reduction, or at least a form of. Another problem with the lack of further remains for this genus is that it is hard to establish how it is related to other similar dinosaurs, but this can all change if another discovery of a more complete individual is made.
The name Alnashetri is from the Tehuelchan for ‘slender thighs’. The species name A. cerropoliciensis is honour of the village of Cerro Polic�a, some of the residents of which have helped with fieldwork in the La Buitrera locality.
Further Reading
- A New Coelurosaurian Theropod from the La Buitrera Fossil Locality of R�o Negro, Argentina, Peter J. Makovicky, Sebasti�n Apestegu�a, & Federico A. Gianechini - 2012.
