In Depth
Though only known from fragmentary remains, Graciliraptor has been a key find for our understanding of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs as it represents one of the earliest known appearances of such a creature. At the time of its description in 2004, Graciliraptor was considered to be a close relative of the famous Microraptor, and like Microraptor, Graciliraptor was of a small size and probably had an extensive covering of feathers in life.
Further Reading
- A new dromaeosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning. - Vertebrata PalAsiatica 42(2):111-119. - X. Xu & X.-L. Wang - 2004.