Yulong (Dragon of Yù)

Basic facts

  • 1.6 feet (0.5m) length

  • Late Cretaceous

  • China

  • Herbivore

Yulong, also known as Yulong mini, was a small oviraptorid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It originated in the Quipa formation of Henan province, China, specifically near Quipa Town.

Compared to other dinosaurs, Yulong was relatively small, ranging in size from a quarter to half a meter. It possessed a small and stunted beak and was covered in feathers. In terms of size, it resembled a chicken more than its larger oviraptorid counterparts, which could reach up to 8 meters in length.

Numerous specimens of Yulong have been discovered, but it is important to note that most of them represent juvenile individuals, with only one adult specimen unearthed. Based on its skeletal structure, it is likely that Yulong was relatively sedentary, suggesting it was a herbivore.